Lagos: The Lagos State Government, through its Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), has trained 250 women to enhance product quality and market acceptance.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Bolaji Dada, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, stated that the training aimed to improve the packaging of agricultural products. The initiative is designed to equip women in agriculture with essential skills crucial for business and livelihood enhancement.
Dada explained that the program was structured to boost participants’ understanding of registration processes, packaging and labelling rules, hygiene and safety standards, and compliance procedures. The training, conducted in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), aims to foster a supportive learning environment and help participants navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
The commissioner emphasized the effort to strengthen women-led enterprises and expand their access to broader and more competitive markets. She highlighted that equipped with the right information, women are better positioned to grow sustainable businesses, support their families, and contribute to the state’s economy. Despite their resilience and determination, many women face challenges due to limited access to technical and regulatory information needed to scale their businesses and meet standards.
Dada reiterated the state government’s commitment to empowering vulnerable women through skills development, knowledge transfer, and strategic partnerships. She commended NAFDAC for its collaboration, noting the importance of bridging the gap between regulation and grassroots enterprise development. Participants were encouraged to apply the training to raise industry standards.
Dr. Nelly Anselm-Onuwa, a Deputy Director at NAFDAC, emphasized the training’s focus on quality control, compliance requirements, and consumer protection for women entrepreneurs. She highlighted the importance of food safety and urged entrepreneurs to ensure products remain fresh from production to sale. The agency remains committed to safeguarding Nigerians’ health through quality and standard regulations.
On behalf of the participants, Mrs. Folasade Ayodele expressed gratitude to the ministry and NAFDAC for the knowledge-packed training. Ayodele noted that the practical presentations and professional guidance had provided them with valuable knowledge to improve product quality, encourage compliance with regulatory standards, and position their businesses for greater opportunities and growth.