Lagos, NIFEST forge partnership on food sector growth

By Olatomiwa Osho 

The Lagos State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) to promote food processing, enterprise development, innovation and investment.

The Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose-Medebem, stated this during a courtesy visit by NIFST officials.

Represented by the Director of the Agribusiness Support Unit, Mrs Muminat Osiefa-Atitebi, the commissioner proposed a formal partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding, subject to NIFST submitting a proposal.

She also announced plans to appoint a liaison officer to improve coordination.

Osiefa-Atitebi said the partnership would support capacity building, technical knowledge sharing and specialised training for MSMEs, agripreneurs and other food-sector stakeholders.

NIFST President, Dr Bola Osinowo, said the institute was ready to support the state in food processing, safety, quality control, regulation and food security.

Osinowo also announced NIFST’s 50th anniversary and Eko 2026 conference, scheduled for October 12 to 16 in Lagos, and sought the state’s support.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to developing the food industry, strengthening local enterprises and promoting Lagos’ economic growth.