By Sylvester Thompson
The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has called on stakeholders to strengthen efforts toward transforming food research into marketable products to boost food security, jobs and sustainable development.
Dr Bola Osinowo, the NIFST President, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the 12th Regional Food Summit (ReFOST) and NIFST Day Celebration, organised by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter of the institute.
The summit had as its theme: “Advancing Food Research into Innovation-driven Enterprise for Sustainable Development.”
Osinowo said scientific discoveries could only create real impact when translated into products and services accessible to farmers, businesses and consumers.
Osinowo said the gap between research findings and commercial application remained a major challenge.
He stressed the need to convert innovative ideas into practical solutions that addressed food production, preservation and waste reduction.
According to him, changing consumer preferences for healthier, safer and environmentally responsible foods are driving innovations in areas such as plant-based foods, food fortification, smart packaging and value addition.
Osinowo, who was represented by Mrs Omagu Nwachukwu, Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), noted that entrepreneurs played critical roles in connecting science with market demands by assessing product viability, affordability and scalability.
The NIFST president said technologies such as data analytics, digital platforms and improved processing methods were helping innovators develop products more efficiently and reach wider markets.
He added that converting agricultural by-products and food waste into animal feed, bio-products and nutritious foods could create new income streams, particularly for rural communities.
Osinowo, however, identified inadequate funding, regulatory bottlenecks and limited market access as obstacles to food innovation and enterprise development.
He called for stronger collaboration among governments, research institutions, financial institutions and communities to create an enabling environment for innovation and commercialisation.
The Chairman of NIFST FCT Chapter, Dr Shakirat Ajenifujah-Solebo, described ReFoST as an important platform for food professionals, producers, farmers, academics, consumers and policymakers to deliberate on regional food issues.
She said that the 2026 summit focused on technologies driving innovation and the factors necessary for successful commercialisation of food research outcomes.
Ajenifujah-Solebo said presentations at the summit covered space food research and technologies, food fortification innovations for improved nutrition, and intellectual property issues related to commercialisation.
She said the chapter had also expanded its engagement with industries, micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs), communities and tertiary institutions in the FCT, Niger and Nasarawa States.
According to her, the chapter has recorded increased partnerships with food MSMEs and strengthened programmes promoting food hygiene, storage and distribution practices.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Awaji-Inombek Abiante concluded that advancing food research into innovation-driven enterprises was essential for national development and global competitiveness.
Abiante said that strengthening the link between research and enterprise would contribute to improved public health, economic growth and a sustainable future.
Dr Mathew Adepoju, Director-General of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), noted that the conference served as a platform for visionary dialogue and transformative collaboration.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Christiana Fadare
