Saudi Arabia has suspended the importation of poultry and egg products from Nigeria and 39 other countries as part of renewed efforts to safeguard public health and strengthen food safety standards in the Kingdom.
The decision, announced by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), forms part of precautionary measures aimed at preventing the introduction and spread of animal diseases through imported food products.
Nigeria is among several African countries affected by the directive, alongside South Africa, Ghana, Cameroon, Libya, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Niger and Ivory Coast.
The ban also covers countries across Europe and Asia, including Germany, Indonesia, Iran, China, United Kingdom, India and Japan, among others.
According to reports, the list of restricted countries will be subject to periodic review based on global animal disease risk assessments and evolving international health data.
The SFDA, however, clarified that exemptions may apply to poultry meat and related products that undergo adequate heat treatment or processing capable of eliminating the Newcastle disease virus. Such products must comply with the Kingdom’s approved health regulations and be accompanied by an official health certificate issued by the exporting country.
The development signals tighter import controls by Saudi authorities amid heightened vigilance over transboundary animal diseases and food safety compliance, with potential trade implications for affected exporting nations.