Food Fraud, Trade Integrity and Regulatory Response: The 2025 Sesame Seed Adulteration Case in Kano, Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Food safety remains a critical concern in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant public health, economic and social implications. This case study explores a significant food fraud incident in Nigeria’s sesame seed export sector, where 82 tonnes of adulterated sesame seeds worth approximately ₦180 million were intercepted in Kano State’s Dawanau grain market. Sesame is a vital economic commodity for Nigeria, particularly for export markets in Asia and Europe. The study aims to analyse the drivers, regulatory response and broader implications of this incident for food system governance and export credibility. A qualitative case study approach is employed, drawing on secondary data, policy reports and documented enforcement actions. The adulteration involved mixing high-quality seeds with dust, mould and inferior grains. The regulatory response, led by the Federal Produce Inspection Service (FPIS) and the Kano State Consumer Protection Council (KSCPC), involved product seizure, market surveillance and initiation of legal proceedings that highlight both the capacity for rapid intervention and the limitations of fragmented enforcement systems. Left unchecked, such malpractice could damage Nigeria’s international trade reputation, lead to export rejections and threaten food safety. Findings reveal that economic pressures, weak regulatory coordination, inadequate post-harvest infrastructure and limited traceability systems create conditions conducive to economically motivated adulteration. This case highlights how food fraud undermines trade integrity by increasing the risk of export rejection, eroding international confidence and exposing consumers to health hazards such as aflatoxin contamination. It also discusses the importance of proactive surveillance, regulatory coordination and investment in infrastructure and traceability to combat food fraud in developing economies. It serves as a practical teaching tool on real-life regulatory responses and offers recommendations applicable across sub-Saharan Africa. The findings emphasize that safeguarding export commodities like sesame is critical not only for public health but also for maintaining Nigeria’s competitiveness in global agricultural markets. Information © The Author 2026