Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), Prof. Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, has said that Nigeria’s wheat import bill now exceeds $3billion a year.
He also said Nigeria is the world’s largest cassava producer, harvesting 60 million tonnes of cassava, while the Democratic Republic of Congo is the world’s second largest cassava producer, harvesting roughly 41-46 million tonnes a year.
He, however, decried that many African countries still depend on the international market for their primary staple.
Prof Sanni spoke at the opening ceremony of the 50th conference and annual general meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) in Lagos on Tuesday with the theme: “Transforming food research into enterprise through innovation and commercialisation for sustainable development.”
Speaking also, the President of NIFST, Dr Bola Osinowo, said Nigeria is blessed with large arable land, good weather and hardworking people.
He said food scientists in the country are very knowledgeable and comparable to the world’s best, adding that they are poised to accelerate food processing, security and safety.
He expressed happiness at the 50th anniversary of the association, adding that it will continue to advance food security.
He commended food scientists for their professionalism and dedication.
He said NIFST and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will continue to ensure food safety for Nigerian residents.
He decried deaths that occurred in the country after some people ate unwholesome food.
He also noted that there are some people in the informal markets who sell food products and agricultural produce that can not be guaranteed to be safe.
He said: “In terms of food preservation, what are they using to preserve food? To be sure that they are not using harmful chemicals to preserve food because these harmful chemicals eventually turn into diseases. When Nigerians buy these foods, as well, we have so many cases, such as cancer, liver disease, and kidney disease.
“So we need to stop it from the grassroots. Whereas we have people; most people buy their products. So what we do is we go there; first, we educate them that they need to use this right to the ability to preserve food. To educate them on food hygiene, and to make sure that they don’t have issues.”
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, warned against excess consumption of oil and salt, adding that such were injurious to human health.
She called for collaboration of relevant agencies and all Nigerians to address the sale and consumption of unwholesome food.
She said: “The theme of the conference challenges us to look beyond the generation of scientific knowledge to its practical applications in addressing national priorities, creating innovative products, viable businesses and jobs, strengthening local industries, driving sustainable economic growth and improving the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
“Nigeria possesses considerable potential in food science, agriculture and indigenous food resources. However, research achieves its greatest value when it moves from the laboratory into practical applications, viable enterprises and products that are safe, of good quality, affordable, nutritious and accessible to consumers.”
The Director-General, Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, represented by Assistant Director, SON, Mrs Ehiabhi Okuwatoyin, said the journey from research to innovation and from innovation to commercialisation is critical to the development of a stronger and more competitive food industry. Innovation without quality can not deliver sustainable consumer confidence.
“Commercialisation without appropriate standards can undermine safety, market access, and competitiveness. Research without effective pathways for technology transfer may remain within academic and institutional environments without reaching the people and businesses that need it most.”
