The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has called on the Federal Government and relevant regulatory agencies to intensify the enforcement of food safety regulations, warning that public enlightenment alone may not be sufficient to curb unsafe food handling practices across Nigeria.
The institute stressed that persistent violations of food safety standards should attract appropriate sanctions, including arrests where necessary and in accordance with the law, to protect consumers from potentially harmful food products.
NIFST President, Dr Biodun Osinowo, made the call during a breakfast meeting with members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET), held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, in Lagos.
The meeting provided a platform for discussions on food safety, regulatory enforcement, consumer awareness and the opportunities presented by Nigeria’s diverse culinary heritage for tourism development.
Osinowo maintained that although public education remains important in addressing unsafe food practices, regulatory authorities must demonstrate the capacity to enforce existing laws when individuals and businesses persistently disregard established standards.
“When you educate, you also need to enforce,” he said.
According to him, the combination of public enlightenment, institutional support and effective enforcement would help strengthen food safety practices across markets, restaurants, food processing facilities and other points within the food supply chain.
NIFST Raises Concerns Over Regulatory Capacity
Osinowo expressed concern over the operational capacity of regulatory agencies responsible for monitoring food safety, particularly the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
He disclosed that during discussions with NAFDAC’s Director-General, he was informed that the agency required a minimum of 20,000 personnel to effectively discharge its responsibilities but had approximately 2,000 workers.
The figures, which Osinowo attributed to his discussion with the agency’s leadership, highlight his concerns about the resources available for food safety monitoring and enforcement.
He urged the Federal Government to provide greater institutional support, including adequate staffing and operational resources, to enable regulatory agencies to carry out inspections and enforce compliance.
The NIFST president also emphasised the need to strengthen the involvement of local government food inspectors, noting that grassroots monitoring would help address unsafe practices in traditional markets, roadside food outlets and communities.
He argued that enforcement should not be limited to major food processing companies and established restaurants but should extend to smaller operators whose activities directly affect everyday consumers.
Food Safety Education Must Reach Market Women, Vendors
Beyond regulatory enforcement, the institute identified continuous education as an important tool for improving food handling standards.
Osinowo explained that NIFST, through its Food Safety Committee, had been engaging market women and other food handlers on basic hygiene, proper food preservation and the dangers associated with the use of harmful chemicals.
He noted that some unsafe practices persist because food vendors lack adequate knowledge of their health implications.
These practices may include poor storage conditions, unhygienic handling and the inappropriate use of substances intended to preserve or enhance the appearance of food.
The institute believes that improving awareness among food handlers would help reduce preventable contamination risks and encourage safer practices throughout the food distribution chain.
However, Osinowo maintained that enlightenment programmes must be supported by appropriate enforcement measures when violations continue.
“Initially we can show love, but if that is not working, we need to arrest and put action behind it,” he stated.
NIFST Seeks Partnerships to Train Food Handlers
Also speaking, NIFST Public Relations Officer, Olutaller Akinwole, described awareness creation as a fundamental requirement for improving food safety across Nigeria.
“Awareness is a very critical thing,” he said.
Akinwole explained that many food sellers were unaware of the consequences of unsafe practices, making sustained education and professional training essential.
He disclosed that the NIFST Academy was open to partnerships with local governments, regulatory agencies, trade associations and other stakeholders interested in strengthening food safety knowledge.
According to him, such collaborations could provide structured training opportunities for food vendors, processors and handlers, particularly those operating within informal markets.
The partnerships could also support the development of practical programmes covering personal hygiene, safe storage, contamination prevention and responsible food preservation.
Food Safety Requires Collective Responsibility
NIFST National Secretary, Rasaq Oke, similarly called for stronger collaboration between the institute, NAFDAC and other relevant agencies in addressing unsafe food practices.
“Food safety is everybody’s responsibility,” he said.
Oke maintained that protecting consumers requires cooperation among government institutions, professional organisations, food producers, vendors and the general public.
He stressed the importance of educating individuals involved in unsafe practices while ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to discourage repeated violations.
Also contributing, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Taiwo Ubani, emphasised the importance of public awareness.
Ubani observed that many individuals engaged in unsafe food handling practices might not fully understand the risks associated with their actions.
He therefore advocated sustained enlightenment initiatives to improve knowledge and encourage behavioural change.
Safe Nigerian Cuisine Could Strengthen Tourism
Beyond public health concerns, the institute linked improved food safety standards to Nigeria’s ambition to develop food tourism and promote indigenous cuisine internationally.
Former Chairman of the NIFST Lagos Chapter, Sunday Bamgbose, said Nigeria possessed a rich diversity of traditional dishes capable of attracting international interest if supported by improved food preparation, hygiene and presentation standards.
“I can see the potential of tourism in Nigeria if we put our act together,” he said.
Bamgbose explained that food represents an important part of cultural identity and could serve as a major attraction for domestic and international visitors.
However, he maintained that tourists must have confidence in the safety and quality of the food they consume.
He recalled that the Lagos Chapter of NIFST had previously worked with street food vendors, providing education on food safety practices and distributing personal protective equipment.
According to him, expanding such initiatives through partnerships could help improve standards among local food businesses despite limited resources.
Bamgbose expressed optimism that Nigerian cuisine could gain stronger international recognition through coordinated efforts involving food professionals, tourism operators and government institutions.
“If we do this, I believe we start talking of, just as we talk of Chinese food, we start talking of Nigerian food in a very short time,” he said.
NIFST Marks 50 Years of Food Science Development
Earlier, Osinowo disclosed that NIFST, established in 1976, was celebrating its 50th anniversary with activities designed to highlight its contributions to food science, technology, research and professional development.
He said the institute had more than 15,000 members worldwide and 11 active chapters across Nigeria.
Its membership comprises professionals drawn from academia, food manufacturing, hospitality, research institutions, government establishments and regulatory agencies.
The anniversary activities include the institute’s 50th conference and Annual General Meeting in Lagos.
According to Osinowo, the milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on NIFST’s contributions to food quality, safety, innovation and capacity building over the past five decades.
It also presents a platform for strengthening partnerships and advancing discussions on the future of Nigeria’s food industry.
Stronger Enforcement Key to Consumer Protection
The institute’s renewed advocacy comes amid continuing concerns about food contamination, inappropriate preservation methods and inadequate hygiene practices within parts of Nigeria’s food supply chain.
Improving food safety could contribute to reducing foodborne illnesses, strengthening consumer confidence and supporting the growth of the food processing and hospitality industries.
For Nigeria’s tourism sector, safer food handling practices could also improve visitors’ experiences and enhance the reputation of local cuisine.
NIFST maintained that achieving these objectives would require sustained collaboration, improved regulatory capacity and effective implementation of existing food safety standards.
The institute reiterated that public enlightenment should remain a priority, but persistent violations must attract appropriate enforcement action to protect public health and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s food system.
