Stakeholders Urge Collaborative Action to Guarantee Safe, Sustainable Food Supply in Nigeria
Amid growing food security and sustainability challenges, stakeholders gathered at the Annual National Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) held recently in Kano, Nigeria, underscoring the urgent call for improvements to the country's food supply chain infrastructure. With the nation's population projected to surge to 440 million by 2050, the imperative for swift, collaborative action has never been greater.
During the conference, the NIFST released a communiqué stressing the significance of prioritizing food safety and quality within Nigeria's food system. The attendees drew attention to alarming statistics: food-borne illnesses result in approximately 600 million cases globally each year, posing significant health threats, particularly for Nigeria where diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea are prevalent. Estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate around 10 million Nigerians suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, incurring economic costs exceeding N500 billion.
Experts at the NIFST event highlighted the economic ramifications of food safety failures, stating, “Improving food safety standards could increase Nigeria’s GDP by up to 10 percent.” This emphasizes the intertwining relationship between public health and economic growth.
To combat these pressing issues, the communiqué outlined several recommended actions for stakeholders. It suggested the establishment of “a strong and enforceable food safety framework.” Specifically, it called for the Nigerian government to urgently pass the Food Safety Bill and to create functional systems at federal, state, and local levels, emphasizing the need for rigorous risk assessments, regular inspections, and strict penalties for those who do not comply.
“Food business operators must implement Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles and Food Safety Management Systems to guarantee product quality,” the stakeholders articulated. They underscored the importance of compliance with Codex standards for raw materials and labeling to promote transparency and traceability throughout the supply chain, highlighting the need for street food vendors to adhere to hygiene regulations, considering they account for nearly half of Nigeria’s food sales.
“Ensuring proper sanitation practices will not only protect consumers but also build trust within Nigeria’s food ecosystem,” the communiqué noted. The emphasis on street food vendors reflects the adaptation needed for local practices to meet wider health and safety standards.
The stakeholders also recognized the pivotal role of public awareness campaigns aimed at educating consumers on food safety’s impact on health and economic stability. They posited, “Collaboration is key. Media, civil society organizations, research institutions, and international development partners must unite efforts to promote food safety awareness. Public education, advocacy, and research initiatives are indispensable for confronting systemic challenges and curbing food fraud.” Such integrated approaches are deemed necessary for fostering broader societal engagement with these issues.
Looking forward, development partners can play a significant role by funding food safety laboratories and training programs for inspectors, thereby supporting Nigeria's drive toward enhanced food safety measures and expectations. The stakeholders made it unequivocal: “Ensuring a safe and sustainable food supply is a shared responsibility.”
NIFST’s appeal for collaborative action acts as an important reminder for the nation. Rather than merely viewing food safety as a sectoral concern, it must be recognized as integral to Nigeria’s broader development goals, health outcomes, and socioeconomic progress. By reinvigorated collaboration and committed action, there is potential to mitigate health risks, stimulate economic growth, and secure Nigeria’s future with safer food practices.
