(Ecofin Agency) - The European Union (EU) has decided to extend the ban on imports of agricultural products from Nigeria, beyond 31 June 2016. Prolongation period is 3 years and concerns mainly dry beans, sesame seeds, meat, dried fish, groundnut and palm oil.

Brussels said the ban will remain in effect until Abuja implements the reforms demanded by the EU. Nigeria will thus have to establish an official control system for its exports and take the necessary measures to insure that its exports meet European standards.

At the end of 2015, Brussels had prohibited imports from Nigeria; this after sending the previous government around 50 notifications regarding their failure to make their exports meet standards imposed by European laws. Since Nigeria did not respond to the warnings, the EU decided to ban exports of agro-food products from Abuja.

Aaron Akinocho