New Quarantine Boss Pledges to Boost Agro-exports Regime

James Emejo in Abuja

The newly appointed acting Comptroller General, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, (NAQS), Dr. Godwin Audu, has promised to improve the agro- export environment by expediting inspection and certification services.

He said the service would also streamline application processes, and automate quarantine procedures to facilitate export of agro-allied products – and align its operation in line with President Bola Tinubu’s food security and Renewed Hope agenda.

Audu who recently took over the helm of affairs of the service from the pioneer Comptroller General, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, whose tenure elapsed on December 12, 2023, said it will improve on its service delivery and mandate going forward.

Audu said in line with the Presidential Enabling Environment Council effort within the export environment in which the service participates, NAQS remained committed to enhancing the export environment.

He added that these efforts aim to significantly make life easier for agro-exporters and reduce the processing time for agricultural export documentation.

He also promised to optimise operations at interstate control stations to minimise delays in the haulage of agro commodities, adding that collaborative efforts with stakeholders will address and eliminate illegal operators causing bottlenecks on federal highways.

He said his administration will be committed to staff welfare as well as ensuring sustainability of equal opportunities for all personnel.