Ikeja: Stakeholders have called for urgent, science-driven and collaborative action to tackle unsafe food and ensure access to safe meals for Nigerians. They made the call at the Fourth Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition, organized by the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) in Ikeja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, themed ‘From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,’ focused on addressing food safety challenges and strengthening consumer protection. Stakeholders expressed concerns that unsafe food poses serious threats to public health, economic stability, consumer confidence, and legitimate businesses.
Speaking at the event, LASCOPA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Afolabi Solebo, emphasized the critical nature of food safety to public health and economic stability. He highlighted that every meal carries the potential to either nourish or harm, with safety being the crucial factor. Solebo further noted that unsafe food undermines public health, erodes consumer confidence, damages legitimate businesses, and places additional pressure on the healthcare system.
He explained that the conference aimed to unite various stakeholders, including regulators, producers, processors, distributors, retailers, academia, civil society, and consumers. Solebo reaffirmed LASCOPA’s commitment to consumer protection, emphasizing the agency’s strengthened enforcement and expanded consumer education efforts. However, he stressed that regulation alone cannot guarantee food safety across the entire food chain, urging all players to take responsibility.
Mr. Tunji Bello, Executive Vice Chairman of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), represented by Dr. Olubunmi Otti, described food safety as an issue of consumer protection, public health, and economic significance. He called for a coordinated ecosystem where regulators enforce standards, businesses comply, consumers remain vigilant, and the media promotes accountability. Bello emphasized that no single institution can guarantee food safety, urging sustained collaboration among stakeholders.
Dr. Adedayo Odugbemi, a quality and food safety expert, delivered a keynote address calling for science-based policies and stronger enforcement. He identified food security, sustainability, and safety as major global challenges requiring urgent responses. Odugbemi urged modernization and mechanization of food systems to reduce post-harvest losses and enhance food distribution.
NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, reiterated that food safety is a shared responsibility requiring prevention, innovation, and collaboration. She emphasized NAFDAC’s commitment to strengthening regulatory oversight and promoting good manufacturing practices.
Participants at the conference called for stronger enforcement, increased public awareness, and technology-driven solutions to combat food adulteration and foodborne diseases. They expressed optimism that the conference would lead to practical measures improving food safety across Lagos State and Nigeria.