By Kayode Awul
Lagos, Nigeria
A week-long nationwide campaign promoting food safety and public health awareness gathered momentum as Nigeria joined the global community in commemorating World Food Safety Day 2025.
The initiative, led by Dr. Malvis Humphrey of the London Professional Training Centre and endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, held impactful events across Lagos and Edo States, drawing widespread participation from key stakeholders in the country’s food ecosystem.
Workshops organised in both states attracted a diverse audience, including farmers, chefs, culinary professionals, housewives, food industry players, food critics, and regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST). Government officials and food manufacturers also lent their voices, creating a robust forum for dialogue on Nigeria’s food safety challenges.
Panel discussions highlighted pressing concerns and potential solutions—ranging from the need for improved food hygiene education among street food vendors to calls for tighter enforcement of existing food safety laws. Innovation in food storage and handling, particularly within homes and small-scale enterprises, also featured prominently.
Speaking at one of the events, Dr. Humphrey emphasised that food safety is not a luxury but a right, urging stakeholders to view it as a shared national responsibility.
Beyond formal settings, the campaign extended its reach to grassroots communities. The team conducted extensive market sensitisation and school outreach programmes, engaging hundreds of traders, students, and families. Through practical demonstrations, flyers, and public messaging in local dialects and Pidgin English, the campaign ensured accessibility and cultural relevance for a broader audience.
Participants were equipped with essential knowledge on preventing food contamination and foodborne illnesses, further reinforcing the country’s commitment to improving public health outcomes.
With strong backing from the Federal Ministry and driven leadership from Dr. Humphrey, the campaign left a lasting impact across participating communities. As Nigeria continues to grapple with food safety concerns, this year’s World Food Safety Day celebration served as both a wake-up call and a roadmap for safer, healthier eating habits nationwide.
