Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for the use of biodegradable and compostable packaging materials by food-processing companies, as an eco-friendly option, for a sustainable environment.
The governor made the call at the 11th edition of the PROPAK West Africa 2024: Smart Packaging Conference, held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria Food Security: Implementation of Smart Packaging to Reduce Waste,” the governor, represented by the commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, underscored the role of food-packaging and processing industries in driving economic growth, charging the industry players to shape the future of the industry to an eco-friendly one.
He said, “The industries represented here today are integral to Nigeria’s economy. They form the backbone of our industrial and manufacturing sectors, supporting various key areas such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods. The development of these industries is vital to ensuring our national growth and competitiveness in the global market.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that the central themes of the conference, which focus on implementing sustainable packaging to reduce food waste and exploring cross-sectoral responsibilities in the plastics industry were crucial for Nigeria’s economic stability, environmental sustainability and the well-being of the citizenry.
“Packaging for food security is a national priority as Nigeria continues to grow in both population and economic ambition. Despite our rich agricultural resources, we still face significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate processing, packaging, and storage. In fact, it is estimated that up to 40 per cent of food produced in Nigeria is lost before it reaches the consumer,” he stated.
He urged stakeholders to embrace sustainable packaging technologies with urgency, stressing the need for cross-sectoral collaboration to manage plastics responsibly and drive innovations that protect the environment.
The managing director/CEO of the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, highlighted the immense global challenge of food loss and waste, which he noted was a significant contributor to environmental degradation and resource wastage, in regions like Africa, where food security was still an issue and called for a positive change.
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