Nigeria has strengthened its position in global food standards development after securing international approval for a new standard on root and tuber flours, a breakthrough expected to enhance food safety, boost agricultural exports and unlock new opportunities in the global gluten-free food market.
The milestone was achieved at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49), where the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), representing the Federal Republic of Nigeria, secured approval for a New Work Proposal on the development of a Group Standard for Root (Sweet Potato) and Tuber (Yam) Flours.
The approval has attracted widespread commendation from the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), food safety experts and regional stakeholders, who described it as another demonstration of Nigeria’s growing influence in international standard-setting.
Congratulating the Director-General and Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, described the achievement as a landmark success that reflects Nigeria’s expanding leadership in the development of international food standards.
She commended SON’s technical competence and strategic engagement in global standardisation processes, noting that the achievement supports the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda through improved product quality, expanded market access and increased competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural products.
According to the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the proposed international standard will strengthen consumer health protection, improve regulatory systems, facilitate fair practices in international food trade and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Commission further observed that root and tuber crops—including yam, cassava and sweet potato—remain staple foods for millions of people worldwide and are increasingly gaining commercial relevance because of the growing global demand for gluten-free products.
Stakeholders said the absence of an international Codex standard for these commodities had limited trade opportunities, making Nigeria’s successful proposal a timely intervention capable of opening new export markets.
Members of the Nigeria National Codex Committee described the approval as a significant national achievement and evidence of the country’s active contribution to global food governance.
The FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA) also applauded Nigeria, noting that the initiative would promote harmonised food standards across Africa, strengthen food control systems and expand regional and international market opportunities for root and tuber products.
Similarly, the President of the Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Adetunji, lauded the development, describing it as an important contribution to global food safety and science-based international standard-setting.
The Chairman of the Gambia Standards Bureau, Dr. Ernest Aubee, also congratulated Nigeria and SON, expressing confidence that the country would continue to provide leadership in the development of international food standards.
Analysts believe the approval places Nigeria in a strategic position to influence future global standards for indigenous agricultural commodities while encouraging greater investment in processing, value addition and the export of root and tuber products.
For SON, the achievement represents another milestone in its drive to promote internationally accepted standards that protect consumers, facilitate trade, strengthen food security and support sustainable economic development.
Our correspondent reports that Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke led the Nigerian delegation that secured the approval for the international standard on root and tuber flours, a development expected to enhance the acceptance of Nigerian products in the global market.
It was gathered that the development would boost the export of Nigerian-made products by improving their access to international markets.
