By Joy Odor
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom has emphasized the importance of scientific research and technology in ensuring food safety in Nigeria.
Speaking at the commemoration of World Food Safety Day (WFSD) 2025 with the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action in Abuja on Monday,” Kachollom highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to enhance laboratory testing protocols and digital traceability systems to empower every step of the food supply chain.
She informed that the Ministry is in the process of enhancing laboratory testing protocols and digital traceability systems that would soon empower every step of the food supply chain from cultivation and processing to distribution and consumption.
According to her, this is to ensure that every precaution is underpinned by rigorous scientific research and proactive risk management, noting that the forward-looking strategy is designed to anticipate challenges and pre-empt risks, ensuring that our food remains a source of nourishment and trust.
“Over the past year, we have built on the robust foundations laid by the revised National Policy on Food Safety and Quality and its Implementation Plan.
“Earlier this year, we introduced the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction and the National Guideline for Food Handlers’ Medical Test.
“These initiatives have set a new benchmark in consumer protection and industry practice, paving the way toward a healthier, safer food supply chain.
“These achievements continue to influence our collaborative efforts, reinforcing our conviction that scientific information and data is central to public health.
“Today, our gaze turns firmly to the future. We are actively preparing to integrate further science-driven measures into our framework.
“A key pillar of this strategy is the vital work of our Technical Working Groups (TWGs). These groups have already begun meeting, and their decisions are expected to be firmly rooted in scientific evidence. Covering areas such as risk based regulation and analysis, food inspection, traceability technology, and education-based research.
“Their science-driven recommendations will soon illuminate our pathway forward, ensuring that every new initiative is
meticulously tested, validated, and ready for implementation. The visible impact of our earlier guidelines is already unfolding.
“The National Guideline for Sodium Reduction has energised the food industry to begin reformulation of their products for healthier dietary habits among Nigerians, while the National Guideline for Food Handlers’ Medical Test has begun to relevate the hygiene and safety standards across the food service sector.
“Together, these measures have mobilised stakeholders, integrated best practices, and yet remain only the beginning of our collective transformation. Looking ahead, we are preparing to further invest in specialised training programmes for our regulators and food safety professionals at national and sub-national levels.
“This comprehensive, science-based approach will strengthen our current capabilities and prepare us to tackle future challenges with assurance and resilience. By bridging scientific innovation with practical regulation, we aspire to set new precedents in food safety that are both sustainable and inclusive.
“I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our farmers, food industry, regulatory experts, researchers, and partners—domestic and international—whose
unwavering dedication has been, and continues to be, the engine driving our progress.” He said .
The Permanent Secretary urged researchers, academic institutions, and the food industry to work together to develop innovative risk assessment models, integrate multidisciplinary research, and adopt sustainable practices.
In his address, Dr. John Atanda, the Director and National Coordinator Food Safety & Quality Programme observed the concern call on the importance and dangers of unsafe food as it plays a vital role in reducing foodborne disease in Nigeria which has caused 600 million people to fall sick as a result of about 200 different types of foodborne illnesses.
According to him, it is on record that the burden of such illnesses falls most heavily on the vulnerable groups with the annual cost of treating Foodborne illnesses estimated at USD 15 billion.
He mentioned that the economic burden of foodborne diseases exceeds USD 110 billion annually in low and middle-income Nations due to loss of productivity and healthcare expenses.
“At this juncture, may I remind you of the fact that ‘’Food Safety Is Everyone’s Business’’ and enjoin you all to heed the clarion call and be living ambassadors of food safety in our various communities and environs as this would be your own way of assisting our country in improving our food safety system. As Government, we will continue to develop science-based policies to ensure food safety along the food supply chain, reassure consumers about the safety of their food and address emerging risks” he said.
“In her opening speech, Mrs. Olubunmi Aribeana, the Director Food and Drug Department (FMoHSW) reminded the importance of safe food practices in Nigerians daily lives as a global issue that affects us all.
She mentioned that the essence of commemorating the WFSD is to raise awareness and sensitize the public on the importance of safety, wholesomeness and quality of food consume to safeguards the health of the citizens, Explore collaborative approaches to improve food safety across all sectors, promote solutions and ways to enhance food safety.
According to her, the theme highlights the vital role of scientific advancements in ensuring safe food for everyone and also draws attention to the use of scientific knowledge as key to reducing illness, cutting costs and saving lives.
“Across the entire food supply chain from farm to table millions of people rely on strict adherence to best practices, standards, and processes grounded in scientific evidence which helps us understand how and why food can become contaminated and cause illness, and it provides the tools to prevent it.
“Scientists assess known and emerging risks, advise authorities, businesses, and consumers, and support informed and responsible decision-making. Without their work, maintaining food safety in today’s globally interconnected supply chains would be impossible.
“On this World Food Safety Day, we celebrate the central role of science as the foundation of food safety and as a key ally in protecting people’s health and the well-being of our societies” he narrated.
