By Stellamaris Ashinze
Some food scientists have called for stronger collaboration among researchers, regulators and industry, to transform food research into commercial products and boost exports.
They made the call at the 50th anniversary conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) on Tuesday in Lagos.
The theme of the conference is: ‘Transforming Food Research into Enterprise through Innovation and Commercialisation for Sustainable Development”.
The scientists urged stakeholders to seize the opportunity of the NIFST anniversary platform, to strengthen partnerships, improve food safety and develop solutions that would support Nigeria’s food industry and economic growth.
Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said effective regulation and innovation must advance together, to strengthen food safety and product competitiveness.
Adeyeye said food safety standards must support innovation and enable Nigerian food businesses to develop quality products that would compete in domestic and international markets.
She identified food insecurity, malnutrition, food loss and waste, as some of the challenges that required practical, science-driven solutions.
The NAFDAC boss urged researchers and industry players to move beyond working in silos and collaborate to develop value-added products that served public needs.
According to her, science-based regulation, quality assurance and food safety, remain essential to successful commercialisation and access to wider markets.
Also speaking, President of the African Packaging Organisation (APO) Mr Ahmed Omah said findings must move from laboratories to factories and markets, to create economic values.
Omah called for stronger partnerships among researchers, entrepreneurs, manufacturers and investors, to develop commercially viable products and reduce food losses.
The Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) Dr Jummai Tutuwa, congratulated NIFST on its 50th anniversary.
Tutuwa said the institute had contributed to advancing food science and technology and strengthening Nigeria’s food system.
She encouraged NIFST to sustain research, innovation and professional excellence in food safety, sustainability and the development of future scientists and engineers.
On his part, Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) said research findings could achieve their full value only when translated into practical solutions.
Okeke made the remarks through Mrs Oluwatoyin Iyejide, an official of the organisation.
According to him, Nigeria’s agricultural and food-processing potential can support industrial development, if scientific knowledge is converted into innovative products and commercially viable enterprises.
He noted that standards, quality assurance and effective regulation were necessary to protect consumers, improve product quality and strengthen market access.
Okeke then called for collaboration among researchers, businesses, manufacturers, farmers, investors and regulatory institutions, to connect research with innovation and commercialisation.
Other stakeholders at the event highlighted the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and industrial application.(NAN)
Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu
Comments