The Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, has unveiled the revised National Policy on Food Safety and Quality. The Government also inaugurated the four technical working groups on food safety.
According to reports the National Policy was unveiled in Abuja as part of activities marking the 2024 World Food Safety Day.
The event organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was in collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and other partners. The event was also used to inaugurate the four inter-sectoral technical working groups
Speaking at the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, said the TWGs would provide expertise and leadership to drive effective communication. It would also create capacity building and strategic partnerships among stakeholders.
Pate stated that the groups would strengthen and harmonize Nigeria’s regulatory environment and risk-based food safety systems. While also, improving industry engagement in the national regulatory processes and compliance with international food safety standards.
The Minister was represented at the event by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom. He noted that the creation of the four TWGs was approved by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in January 2024.
He said, “The TWGs are focused on risk-based regulations, risk analysis in food and feed safety; food and sanitary and phytosanitary inspection; traceability and supporting technologies; education for all stakeholders and research.
“As we gather to mark the 2024 World Food Safety Day, we are reminded of the delicate balance that sustains this vital aspect of our lives.
“This year’s theme ‘Food safety: prepare for the unexpected’ is a clarion call to action. It is a reminder that vigilance is the guardian of our sustenance and unforeseen events that can compromise the integrity of our food supply.
“In the face of daunting challenges, our resolve remains unshaken. Preparedness is not just a watchword but our shield against the unpredictable tides of adversity.”
Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager of USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Kelly Scavella, thanked participants. She stated that the USDA-FAS was partnering with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other Nigerian stakeholders. This is to help build food safety systems that are relevant to consumers, producers and regulators.
“The TWGs have been set up to modernize Nigeria’s food safety regulatory framework in line with international best practices. And to address food safety concerns and facilitate the development of a strong agriculture and food industry,” Scavella said.
Stakeholders at the workshop, however, recommended the setting up of technical working groups. They maintained that the group be comprised of experts from the public, private and academic sectors. They are to support the development of science-based regulations.
Recall that in 2023, the National Assembly passed the Food Safety and Quality Bill.
However, the 2023 election and competing priorities delayed the passage of the Bill.
But that notwithstanding, the competent authorities continued to advance the modernization agenda. They re-convened stakeholders for an expertise coordination workshop in November 2023.
source: VON
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