Akin Sawyerr is the executive secretary of the Fresh Produce Growers and Export Association of Nigeria (AFGEAN). In this interview with JOSEPHINE OKOJIE, he talks about the country’s fresh produce market and how Nigeria’s fresh produce business can evolve.
What is AFGEAN and how did it come about?
The Agricultural Fresh Produce Growers and Exporters Association of Nigeria (AFGEAN) is a non-governmental organisation formed by the fruit and vegetable exporting companies, service providers and farmer organisations to provide support to the country’s overall fruits and vegetable sub-sector and acts to link the private sector with the government. It came about as a result of the recognition that Nigeria could play a much bigger role in the export of fresh agricultural produce.
You have been involved in supply chains business for some time now. Any experiences to share, on how Nigerians should change their game in global business through application of knowledge and skills in supply chains?
Nigerians should focus on giving more thought on production standards, especially around hygiene, seeds, produce handling and logistics because they are very crucial in meeting global standards. The supply chain begins at the farm, so the farmers must ensure good agricultural practises in handling fresh fruits and vegetables. There must also be proper packaging materials for the transportation of fresh produce like using plastic crates in the transportation of fresh tomatoes, it ensures hygiene. These are some of the ways Nigeria can change their game in the global fruits export market.
You were once making efforts to connect Nigerian fresh produce growers to Europe through DHL, what was your relationship with DHL and what motivated you then?
DHL has scheduled aircraft that moves between Europe and Nigeria and was a founding member of AFGEAN.
I understand that Nigeria alone is able to produce fresh produce amounting to a combined capacity of the countries that presently export from West Africa, how true is that and what constraints Nigeria?
Nigeria is indeed the second largest producer of fresh produce in Africa after Egypt and the largest in Sub Saharan Africa. Nigeria is constrained by a poor attitude to standards, a peer approach to execution and a nonchalant approach to foreign standards and requirements. These have continued to limit the country’s potential in the fresh produce export market. The market is about standards and we have continued to ignore it, until we begin to change our attitude our potential in the fresh produce market will not be realised.
Kenya is making so much from fresh produce export to the European Union (EU), why is Nigeria not in this market despite being closer to the EU?
Nigeria’s crude oil discovery has been a major distraction rather than a major opportunity. It has distracted us as a nation from realising opportunities in other sectors. Agriculture was neglected and that is why Nigeria has not been making so much from fresh produce. Things are changing now and if the momentum is sustain, Nigeria will begin to make much progress as regards fresh produce export.
Can Nigeria play in the cut flowers export? If yes How?
Yes, but it would require significant foreign human intellectual investment. The know-how is severely lacking. To play in the cut flowers export we need to build capacity and technical know-how for the industry.
You have been arranging training for some Nigerians through your EU network. What is the scorecard like?
AFGEAN has facilitated the entry of the European-Africa-Caribbean-
Overall, how do you think that the fresh produce business should evolve in Nigeria?
It should be demand driven and a deliberate attempt should be made to drive it. It should not be allowed to evolve on its own.
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