Chief Uche Nnaji Geoffrey, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, has emphasized that for Nigeria to achieve sustainable national development, it must prioritize food security, safety, and economic growth. The minister highlighted that addressing the risk of food insecurity requires technological solutions and collaborative efforts across agriculture, food science and technology, nutrition, and health programs.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST) Data Base Management Centre in Abuja, the minister underscored the importance of the council in regulating the food science and technology profession. He stated that the council would usher in a new era of professional practice within the food industry and the national food supply system.
Chief Nnaji stressed that the regulatory framework of the council is crucial for reducing unprofessional practices and mismanagement along the food value chain, contributing to sustainable national food security. He noted that this marks the first time in Sub-Saharan Africa that the Food Science and Technology Profession has a regulatory council.
Highlighting the collaborative effort between the ministry and NiCFoST, the minister emphasized their shared commitment to advancing Food Science and Technology regulation in Nigeria. He pointed out that Nigerian food is gaining popularity overseas, and optimizing the benefits of these export market trends will contribute to the economic diversification of the country.
The minister encouraged all Food Science and Technology professionals to register with the council, taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the establishment act. In her welcome address, Veronica Ezeh, the registrar of NiCFoST, explained that the Database Management Centre will serve as a central hub for storing, organizing, and maintaining data created and collated by the council in line with the provisions of the Establishment Act.