The Institute is seeking support for government policy aimed at revitalizing the food industry

The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Abuja, has appealed to stakeholders to support the government’s research and innovation policies to ensure a favorable regulatory environment for the food industry.

President of NIFST, prof. Joseph Abu, made the call during the 10th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit (ReFOST) and NIFST Day celebrations in Abuja.

The theme of the Summit is “the role of food science and technology specialists in the sustainable development and safety of food with high nutritional value for humans.”

Abu expressed regret that in the face of abundant natural resources and rich agricultural heritage, Nigeria continues to face challenges in ensuring every citizen has access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food.

According to him, food security and nutritional well-being are fundamental human rights and are the cornerstone of sustainable development.

“This partly explains why the role of food scientists and technologists is essential.

“Together with other stakeholders, we can continue to achieve success in our collective quest to end all forms of hunger in this country and beyond,” Abu said.

He emphasized that through the development of research and the implementation of existing and new technologies, food specialists must strive to improve the nutritional profile of food.

He added that food professionals need to scale up relevant innovations that make nutritious food more accessible to every segment of the population.

“Because the challenges we face in achieving sustainable food and nutrition security are complex and interconnected, it is essential to support cooperation among stakeholders.

“In addition, government policies must support research and innovation, provide incentives for sustainable practices and ensure a favorable regulatory environment for the food industry,” Abu said.

However, he said academic institutions and research organizations must continue to lead in research, development and innovation, providing the knowledge and tools needed to meet current and future challenges.

Abu said the private partner sector, including food producers, processors and retailers, should play a key role in bringing innovations to market and ensuring their widespread adoption.

He said NIFST remains committed to supporting educational initiatives, professional development programs and research endeavors that empower members, adding that capacity building is also important.

Abu, who said investing in the education and training of youth is necessary, added that the country is preparing the next generation of food scientists and technologists, as well as entrepreneurs who will push the food industry forward.

The Director-General of the National Biosecurity Management Agency (NBMA), Ms Agnes Asagbra, said some of the food security challenges include the impact of climate change, erratic rainfall, increased frequency of droughts and land degradation.

Asagbra, represented by the Agency’s Deputy Director, Ms Blessing Aligwekwe, said millions of tonnes of food were lost or wasted in sub-Saharan Africa every year.

The Director-General of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Ifeanyi Okeke, has said that food safety is of utmost importance and has a direct impact on the health and well-being of citizens across the country

Okeke, represented by SON’s Chief Standards Officer, Ms Chiamaka Anyagwa, urged all food science and technology professionals to adhere to the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability in the production and distribution of food products.

The Chairperson of the FCT NIFST Chapter, Mrs. Promise Ogbonna, said the food summit is organized annually to mark the birth of NIFST and involves discussing relevant and topical issues affecting food safety, food security advancements in food science and technology.

She said the department had engaged in sensitization campaigns in markets and slaughterhouses.

“Our approach to food safety must be measured by assessing our processes, products, ingredients, packaging materials, processing aids and product contact surfaces.

“We need to identify potential threats and take action to eliminate them,” she said.