The Federal Government and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) have embarked on a partnership to eradicate the pressing issue of food fraud, a global problem that results in losses up to $10 billion and $15 billion every year, across Nigeria.
Even if the precise financial loss experienced due to food fraud in Nigeria has not been ascertained yet, experts have said that it definitely goes a long way in negatively affectting both consumers and producers across the nation. To prevent further losses, FG has decided to collaborate with GAIN and the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) to aid Nigeria’s food security and restore the required faith in our local and exported food products again.
At the graduation ceremony for the 3rd cohort of the Laboratory Analysis of Food Micronutrients (LAoFM) e-learning course, held in Lagos State, the technical skills of laboratory analysts were strengthened as it is the proper foundation needed to get rid of food fraud in different parts of the country.
According to the Head of Operations, GAIN Nigeria, Ifunfun Akinduro, the LAoFM course was launched to boost the ability of an average food laboratory analyst in Nigeria, because only reliable science-related analysis can ensure the meals consumed by citizens on daily basis remain safe and protected.
“GAIN’s decision to conceptualise and launch the LAoFM course was driven by the critical need to build and strengthen the capacity of food laboratory analysts across Nigeria. Accurate, science-based analysis is essential to guaranteeing the quality and safety of the food Nigerians consume daily—and to meeting the stringent standards of international markets,” he said.
As of today, about 51 analysts have experienced training at different levels via the LAoFM course, and with such important investments in human capital, Nigeria can be guaranteed a group of efficient professionals who will expertly monitor and verify the nation’s extensive food supply chain.
Dr. Adeyemi Opeoluwa, a food expert, revealed that there is a major gap in data quality and fortification tracking when it comes to food policies across Nigeria, and the lack of dependable analytical abilities is the reason certain foods in Nigeria get labelled as what they are not. He said that such a data gap must be addressed as soon as possible because it poses a major risk not just to public health in general, but also to the crucial trust of loyal customers.
“A lack of awareness and training on safe pesticide application is leading to increased rejection of Nigerian produce at international borders. This has far-reaching economic repercussions and underscores the need for urgent action,” Opeoluwa said.
The Registrar/Chief Executive, IPAN, Mr. Aliyu Angara, believes the graduation of the most recent LAoFM cohort deserves celebration since it more than boosts Nigeria’s analytical capacity and automatically ensures our food system is better for it.
“By strengthening Nigeria’s analytical capacity and investing in human capital, we’re building a food system that is not only safe and reliable but fundamentally trustworthy,” he added.
