Abuja: 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, emphasized this at the 11th Regional Food Summit and NIFST Day celebration held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event, themed 'Next-Generation Food Science and Technology Solutions for Nation Building', highlighted the potential of biofortification and advanced food processing in enhancing nutrition. Osinowo noted that food science offers solutions such as breeding crops to naturally contain higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals, which can significantly benefit communities in need. He emphasized the importance of fortifying staple foods with essential nutrients to make healthy diets more accessible.
Osinowo also stressed that food is the foundation of life and a crucial element for national stability. He pointed out that a nation's development is closely tied to its ability to efficiently produce, distribute, and consume nutritious food. Historically, advancements in food science, like the Green Revolution, have transformed societies from hunger and malnutrition to abundance and prosperity.
In Nigeria, a significant portion of agricultural output is lost due to inadequate storage and processing. Osinowo proposed next-generation solutions such as novel preservation techniques and intelligent packaging to address these challenges. He also mentioned the potential of cold chain logistics, powered by the Internet of Things (IoT), to reduce wastage and ensure more food reaches consumers. He highlighted the need to focus on nutritional security, as hidden hunger due to micronutrient deficiencies affects millions and hinders productivity.
The Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRA), Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, suggested that to fully harness innovations, the government and stakeholders should develop a dynamic curriculum on genomics, proteomics, and nutrigenomics. Represented by Mrs. Shakirat Solebo, Mustapha called for expanded access to innovation, grants, venture capital, and improved Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). He also advocated for establishing centers of excellence for youths and women in agro-technology, emphasizing that the future of food security and economic growth lies in sustainable innovations through biotechnology and digital agriculture.
The Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Ifeanyichukwu Okeke, stated that embracing innovative solutions would create a more resilient and sustainable food system. Represented by Mrs. Uduak Udoso, Okeke affirmed SON's commitment to supporting innovative initiatives.
NIFST, established in 1976, provides professional support to individuals and institutions in the food industry, promoting food science and technology.