Stakeholders Urge Collaborative Action to Guarantee Safe, Sustainable Food Supply in Nigeria 

Agnes Ekebuike

As global food security and sustainability challenges intensify, stakeholders who gathered at the Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) held in Kano, have stressed the urgency of prioritising food safety and quality.

Nigeria faces a critical juncture in ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply.

With the nation’s population projected to reach 440 million by 2050, stakeholders in the food sector are urging swift and collaborative action.

At the forefront of this call is the NIFST, which in a recent communiqué after its annual conference in Kano called for a collaborative action to guarantee safe and sustainable food supply.

The stakeholders at the conference noted that food-borne illnesses pose a significant public health threat worldwide, with an estimated 600 million cases annually.

They added that in Nigeria, diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea account for significant morbidity and mortality rates.

According to the communique, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 10 million Nigerians suffer from foodborne illnesses each year, imposing an economic burden of over N500 billion.

Beyond public health, these illnesses stifle agricultural output and economic growth, making food safety a key factor in Nigeria’s development.

Experts have suggested that improving food safety standards could increase the nation’s GDP by up to 10 per cent.

The stakeholders at the NIFST conference noted that addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach.

“A robust and enforceable food safety framework is essential. The government must urgently pass the Food Safety Bill into law and establish functional systems at federal, state, and local levels. Policies must emphasise risk assessment, regular inspections, and stringent penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are needed to educate consumers about food safety’s impact on health and economic stability,” the stakeholders explained in a communique.

The communique further stated that the private sector also has a critical role to play.

“Food business operators must implement Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and Food Safety Management Systems to ensure product quality. Suppliers should adhere to Codex standards for raw materials and labeling, promoting transparency and traceability in the supply chain.

“Street food vendors, responsible for nearly half of Nigeria’s food sales, are a pivotal focus. They must comply with hygiene regulations and resist compromising food safety for profit. Ensuring proper sanitation practices will not only protect consumers but also enhance trust in Nigeria’s food ecosystem,” the communique further explained.

“Collaboration is key. Media outlets, civil society organisations, research institutions, and international development partners must join forces to promote food safety awareness. Public education, advocacy, and research initiatives are vital for addressing systemic challenges and curbing food fraud. Development partners can further support Nigeria by funding food safety laboratories and training programmes for inspectors.

“Ultimately, ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply is a shared responsibility,” the communique added.

By uniting efforts, stakeholders can mitigate health risks, bolster economic growth, and secure a healthier future for Nigeria.

 NIFST’s call to action serves as a reminder that food safety is not just a sectoral concern, it is integral to national development.