By Queen Kunde
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria has intensified efforts to tackle malnutrition and improve food quality with a two-day national workshop aimed at strengthening food fortification compliance across the country.
The workshop brought together food inspectors from across Nigeria to enhance their capacity in monitoring fortified food production and to introduce digital tools designed to improve food quality traceability.
The training, organised by SON with support from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, focused on improving compliance among food producers and ensuring that fortified foods meet required nutritional standards.
Speaking at the opening, the Head of Standards Development at SON, Mr. Yanusa Mohammed, who was represented by the Deputy Director in the department, Mr. Jibrin Mohammed, described the workshop as timely and critical to the organisation’s mandate of maintaining standards in goods and services.
He noted that food fortification compliance has now become mandatory as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to eliminate malnutrition in Nigeria. He added that the media and other stakeholders would soon be engaged to drive awareness, particularly at the grassroots and regional levels.
On her part, the Deputy Director of Nutrition at SON, Mrs. Victoria Nsofor, stressed the need for stronger monitoring systems and closer collaboration with food producers to ensure compliance with fortification standards.
She explained that the training was designed to equip inspectors with modern tools and knowledge to effectively enforce regulations and guarantee that Nigerians have access to properly fortified foods. She also revealed plans for nationwide awareness campaigns across the geopolitical zones.
Participants at the workshop commended the initiative, expressing readiness to apply the knowledge gained and strengthen inspection processes in their respective states and communities.
Stakeholders say the introduction of digital tracking tools, alongside improved monitoring and enforcement, marks a significant step toward ensuring safer and more nutritious food for Nigerians.
They believe the initiative will go a long way in reducing malnutrition and improving public health across the country.
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