Experts Advocate Stronger Labs To Safeguard Nigerian Fortified Food Sector

Food safety experts and industry regulators have warned that Nigeria’s fortified food sector remains vulnerable unless laboratory systems are strengthened and manufacturers comply consistently with national standards.

The concern was highlighted at the 2025 National Fortification Alliance (NFA) meeting in Lagos, which brought together government agencies, development partners, and stakeholders from the food industry.

NFA Chairman Fred Chiazor emphasised that accurate premix and micronutrient testing were crucial for compliance. Stakeholders cannot improve what they cannot reliably measure, he said, citing expired testing devices, inconsistent lab results, rising premix costs, and unfortified products in informal markets as significant challenges.

NAFDAC director general, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening oversight and local laboratory capacity.

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) reported strong iron fortification in flour but inconsistencies in vitamin A levels across sugar and vegetable oil, pointing to weak quality control at factories.

Development partners, including GAIN and TechnoServe, highlighted ongoing initiatives such as digital fortification tracking and support for rice millers to ensure compliance. The ministry of Health and Social Welfare noted plans to expand local testing labs, scale premix production, and support the local manufacturing of complementary foods like Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods.

Chiazor concluded that ensuring safe, nutritious fortified foods requires collective action. Strengthened laboratories, reliable premix supply, and robust compliance frameworks are essential for Nigerian MSMEs in the food processing sector to remain competitive and gain consumer trust.