By Adesina Wahab
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has hosted a Food Safety Summit in Lagos to promote improved food safety practices across Nigeria’s agricultural and food supply chain.

The summit, themed “From Farm to Fork: Strengthening Food Safety Practices Across the Value Chain,” was held at the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu. It brought together students, food vendors, agricultural stakeholders, and regulatory experts to address the growing concerns around food contamination, handling, and public health safety.

At the event, stakeholders stressed that food safety remains a critical public health issue, noting that unsafe food practices pose serious risks to consumers and undermine national food security. Speakers highlighted the need for proper hygiene, safe storage, and regulatory compliance at every stage of the food value chain, from production to consumption.

Discussions at the summit focused on challenges affecting food safety in Nigeria, including poor awareness among food handlers, inadequate storage facilities, and weak adherence to safety standards. Experts also underscored the importance of education and advocacy in curbing foodborne diseases, particularly among youths and small-scale food entrepreneurs.

The programme was hosted by the Vice Chairman of the NANS Joint Campus Committee (JCC), Lagos State, Comrade Sadiq Adams, who reiterated the commitment of NANS to supporting initiatives that safeguard public health and empower students with practical knowledge relevant to national development.

Participants commended the organisers for the initiative, describing the summit as timely and impactful. Many noted that the engagement provided practical insights that would help improve food safety practices within campuses and surrounding communities.

The summit further highlighted the role of strategic collaboration between regulatory agencies and student bodies in advancing public awareness, policy compliance, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s food sector.