Amid growing concerns about food safety, the federal government has announced a strategic partnership with grassroots commodities producers to improve post-harvest handling processes, including storage, processing, and packaging. This initiative aims to tackle enduring issues of unprofessional practices and mismanagement within Nigeria’s food value chains.
Veronica Ezeh, the Registrar/CEO of the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST), expressed serious concerns about the negative impact of substandard food production on industrialization efforts, export potential, and the prevalence of preventable foodborne illnesses. Speaking at a sensitization forum involving State Ministries of Local Government, Local Government Commissions, and State Ministries of Health, Ezeh emphasized the urgent need for enhanced food safety measures at all stages of production and distribution.
As the leading council in sub-Saharan Africa responsible for regulating food science and technology, NiCFoST is committed to effectively managing various aspects of Nigeria’s food value chain and supply systems. Ezeh stressed the importance of gathering input from stakeholders to inform comprehensive food safety strategies, emphasizing transparency, especially at the grassroots level.
“We are dedicated to realizing our vision of efficiently managing Nigeria’s food value chains and supply systems in line with current scientific practices to improve food security,” Ezeh stated. She highlighted NiCFoST’s mission to uphold the highest standards in training and practicing the food science and technology profession in Nigeria.
The sensitization efforts aim to ensure that food regulation at the local government level aligns with international best practices, thereby guaranteeing the safety and competitiveness of Nigerian food products in both domestic and export markets. NiCFoST intends to work closely with the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, both at the federal and state levels, to enhance food safety practices from farm to table.
Acknowledging the crucial role of primary producers in the food value chain, Ezeh appealed to farmers to uphold the highest food standards in Nigeria. She reiterated NiCFoST’s commitment to fostering collaboration and adherence to global best practices to safeguard public health and improve the quality of Nigeria’s food supply.
The collaborative efforts between the federal government, NiCFoST, and other stakeholders demonstrate a unified commitment to addressing enduring challenges in the Nigerian food industry, with a focus on ensuring the safety and integrity of the nation’s food supply chain.
