NESG to collaborate with USDA, health ministry to promote food safety

The Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) has announced its partnership with some stakeholders to strengthen interventions for the promotion of food safety in the country.

Tayo Aduloju, NESG Chief Executive Officer-designate, said this in a statement on Thursday.

He said the partnership would be between the US department of agriculture (USDA) and the ministry of health and social welfare.

The CEO said the just concluded workshop on “Food and feed expertise coordination” targets high-level officials and technical experts from the Nigerian food industry and regulatory bodies.

Aduloju said Nigeria’s commitment to uphold the highest food safety standards was paramount to its well-being and progress.

He said the country had over 70 million hectares of agricultural land and massive potential for economic growth and development.

Aduloju said an effective regulatory, institutional and policy framework was needed for agriculture to thrive.

According to him, the private sector plays a crucial role in the agricultural value chain, enhancing productivity, opening markets, and attracting investment.

“Frameworks that address the gaps in food and feed safety systems will not only improve the well-being of citizens, but also impact Nigeria’s position in international trade,” he said.

“To benefit effectively from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCTA), reforming food and feed safety systems in Nigeria is inevitable.”

In the statement, Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, said deliberate efforts were being made to ensure that the country attains the required national health security (NHS) status.

Pate said the ministry would validate the revised national policy on food safety and quality and its implementation plan 2023 and also launch the first national integrated guidelines for foodborne disease surveillance and response.

“The revised policy will look at new and emerging areas that will improve the regulatory, enforcement and data-gathering system to ensure it is more effective, efficient, and robust,’’ Pate said.

He said his ministry prioritises food safety as a serious element of public health that requires concerted efforts.