By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Partnership and Food safety: strengthening Nigeria’s commitment
In a significant move to prioritize food safety, the Nigerian Government and the United States of America, USA, have collaborated to establish four Technical Working Groups (TWGs) focusing on food safety. The inauguration of these TWGs, which took place in commemoration of World Food Safety Day in Abuja, reflects the dedication to safeguarding the daily consumption of food and drink by Nigerians.
Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the critical nature of food safety, stating that preparedness is essential to protect the integrity of the food supply. He highlighted the revision of the National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan, rooted in the One Health approach, as a pivotal milestone in addressing various critical areas related to food safety.
Kelly Scavella, Programme Manager of USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, underscored the importance of modernizing Nigeria’s food safety regulatory framework to address concerns and facilitate the development of a robust agriculture and food industry. The collaboration aims to ensure safe and reliable access to food across Nigeria.
The creation of the four TWGs, approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in January 2024, focuses on risk-based regulations, risk analysis in food and feed safety, Food and SPS (Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary) inspection, traceability and supporting technologies, education for all stakeholders, and research.
food safety, collaboration
Partnership and Food safety: strengthening Nigeria’s commitment