Nigerian signs bilateral trade deal with Mexico to export $3bn worth of hibiscus flowers

NIGERIA and Mexico have signed an agreement to increase the export of hibiscus plants as part of a bilateral trade agreement estimated to be worth about $3bn to be overseen by the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (Naqs).

Unveiling the details at the agency's fourth summit and management retreat, Naqs comptroller-general Dr Vincent Isegbe, said that notwithstanding the challenges associated with the export of agricultural produce, agro-export intensification would help Nigeria boost its productivity. He pointed out that recently, the US for instance rejected two containers of Nigerian hibiscus due to the failure of the exporter to obtain the required export certificates from the NAQS.

Dr Isegbe said: “It will help to generate sustainable wealth and improve household incomes among the large swathe of the 70% of our population that are engaged in agriculture and agro-allied industries. Last month, on November 4, to be precise, NAQS and its Mexican counterpart body, Senasica, signed a phytosanitary protocol to stabilise and grow the export of Nigerian hibiscus flowers, known as zobo to Mexico.

 “The framework is designed to future-proof bilateral trade in hibiscus between Nigeria and the largest importer of Nigerian hibiscus against avoidable disruptions. With the signing of the hibiscus work plan, Nigeria will earn $3bn annually from exporting hibiscus to Mexico.”

He added that the agency recently met with the freight forwarders association to urge the council to ensure that all agents who deal with the quarantine service are registered by the council. Dr Isegbe said the agency was currently investigating how an exporter was able to ship consignments to the US without the customs and quarantine services knowing.