Institute urges FG to harness new technologies to boost food safety
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Nigeria Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), FCT Chapter, has urged the Federal Government to harness the power of next-generation food science and technology to guarantee food safety.
The President and Chairman, NIFST Governing Council, Bola Osinowo, said this on Thursday at the 11th Regional Food Summit and NIFST Day celebration held in Abuja.
The event had its theme as “Next-Generation Food Science and Technology Solutions for Nation Building”.
“Food science offers solutions through biofortification, breeding crops to naturally contain higher levels of vital vitamins and minerals.
“Imagine what we can achieve with cassava enriched with Vitamin A or maize with increased iron content, reaching communities most in need.
“We can also leverage advanced food processing to fortify staple foods with essential nutrients, making healthy diets more accessible,” he said.
Osinowo said food was the foundation of life and the bedrock of national stability.
According to him, a nation’s development is intricately linked to its capacity to produce, distribute, and consume nutritious food efficiently.
He said historically, advances in food science -such as the Green Revolution – had transformed societies from hunger and malnutrition to abundance and prosperity.
“In Nigeria, a significant portion of our agricultural output is lost due to inadequate storage and processing.
“Next-generation solutions like novel preservation techniques, intelligent packaging that extends shelf life and efficiency can address the challenge.
“Similarly, cold chain logistics, powered by Internet of Things (IoT), can drastically reduce this wastage, ensuring more food reaches our tables.
“Beyond just quantity, we must focus on nutritional security. Hidden hunger – the deficiency of essential micronutrients, affects millions and hinders national productivity,” he said.
The Director-General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said to fully harness innovations, the government and stakeholders should have a dynamic curriculum on genomics, proteomics and nutrigenomics.
Mustapha, who was represented by Director, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Mrs Shakirat Solebo, called for expanded access to innovation, grants, venture capital and improved Public – Private Partnerships (PPPs).
He also said there was a need to establish centres of excellence for youths and women in agro technology.
Mustapha said the future of food security and economic growth was in sustainable innovations.
According to him, this can be achieved by embracing biotechnology and digital agriculture.
The Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) , Ifeanyichukwu, Okeke said embracing innovative solutions would create a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Okeke, who was represented by the Group Head, Healthcare Group Standardisation, SON, Mrs Uduak Udoso said SON remained committed to supporting the innovative initiatives.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NIFST was established in 1976.
It provides professional support to individuals, public and private institutions in the food industry by promoting food science and technology, (NAN)
Edited by Uche Anunne
