The Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has highlighted the increasing threat of unsafe food across Nigeria, noting that millions of citizens face potential foodborne diseases. During the 2026 World Food Safety Day event in Lagos, Adeyeye emphasized that obtaining secure and healthy food is a basic human necessity that requires immediate national focus.
Speaking on behalf of the agency, Mrs. Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, explained that Nigeria must transition from discussing food contamination to applying concrete measures that protect the food supply chain from the farm to the table. She underscored that food safety is a critical public health priority, with foodborne issues linked to over 200 distinct illnesses. Beyond health impacts, unsafe food damages the economy, hinders education, and results in increased food waste and international trade rejections.
Adeyeye pointed out that safety risks exist at every stage, including harvesting, processing, transport, and retail. Because of this, she called for a shared responsibility among farmers, producers, distributors, and consumers. To address these vulnerabilities, NAFDAC is prioritizing rigorous regulation, enhanced laboratory testing, and the promotion of established standards like Good Agricultural and Manufacturing Practices.
The agency also advised the public to exercise caution by verifying NAFDAC registration numbers and labels on all food items. By fostering better partnerships and increasing consumer awareness, NAFDAC aims to secure a safer food environment for all Nigerians, aligning with the international goals established by the United Nations during the inception of World Food Safety Day in 2018.
