2025 World Food Safety Day: Nigeria Ramps Up Food Safety Measures to Protect Public Health
By Pan Afric Reporters|Abuja|June 16, 2025
In a bold push to safeguard Nigerians from foodborne illnesses, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to science-driven food safety strategies at the 2025 World Food Safety Day (WFSD) celebration held in Abuja on Monday.
With the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action,” the event served as a national call to action, highlighting the critical role of scientific innovation and regulatory reform in securing a safer food system for all Nigerians.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, underscored the government’s efforts to transform food safety through enhanced laboratory testing protocols and digital traceability systems spanning the entire food supply chain—from farm to fork.
“Our forward-looking strategy is designed to anticipate challenges and preempt risks, ensuring our food remains a source of nourishment and trust,” Kachollom stated. “These efforts are anchored in rigorous scientific research and proactive risk management.”
She noted that recent achievements—including the revised National Policy on Food Safety and Quality, the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction, and the National Guideline for Food Handlers’ Medical Test—have already started reshaping industry practices and consumer protection standards across the country.
The Ministry also announced that its Technical Working Groups (TWGs) have commenced work on key areas such as risk-based food regulation, traceability technologies, and science-based inspection models. These TWGs are expected to offer research-backed recommendations that will form the backbone of future food safety initiatives.
“By bridging scientific innovation with practical regulation, we aspire to set new precedents in food safety that are both sustainable and inclusive,” Kachollom emphasized, while pledging additional investments in specialized training for food safety regulators at both federal and state levels.
In his address, Dr. John Atanda, National Coordinator of the Food Safety & Quality Programme, highlighted the staggering impact of unsafe food, which contributes to over 600 million cases of illness globally and disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. He revealed that foodborne diseases cost Nigeria an estimated USD 15 billion annually in treatment, with the broader economic burden exceeding USD 110 billion in low- and middle-income countries due to lost productivity and healthcare costs.
“Food safety is everyone’s business,” Atanda declared. “We urge all Nigerians to become ambassadors of safe food practices in their homes and communities.”
Mrs. Olubunmi Aribeana, Director of the Food and Drug Department at the Ministry, emphasized the global relevance of food safety. She noted that the WFSD celebration aimed to raise public awareness, promote collaboration across sectors, and advocate for the adoption of scientific tools to improve food safety outcomes.
“From farm to table, millions rely on best practices grounded in science,” she said. “Without scientific research guiding every link in the supply chain, food safety in a globally interconnected world would be impossible.”
The event concluded with a renewed call to action for academic institutions, researchers, regulators, and industry leaders to integrate science-based approaches and collaborate in building a resilient and trustworthy food system in Nigeria.
As the world marks World Food Safety Day 2025, Nigeria’s renewed commitment to science and innovation offers hope for a future where safe, quality food is a reality for every citizen.
