IPAN to address quality assurance concerns in food, agro-allied products

Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) has revealed plans to address quality assurance of food and agro-allied products in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) at the 29th Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCDP) workshop scheduled for Abuja next month.

The event, with the theme: “AfCFTA: The crucial role of quality assurance of products” , slated for December 7-8, would examine topical issues like the quality assurance of food and agro-allied products, pharmaceuticals and herbal products, in relation to AfCFTA and feature a panel discussion on the role of IPAN/public analysts in the removal of technical barriers.

In a statement by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, of the institute, Aliyu Angara, said the Senior Special Adviser (SSA), Francis Anatogu, to the President on Public Sector Matters and Secretary, National Action Committee on AfCFTA as keynote speaker.

Also, expected at the event are the Secretary to the State Government, Kogi State, Dr Folasade Arike Ayoade, as the Chairperson; Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services as a special guest of honour and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, the Minister of State for Health as chief host.

According to the registrar, the panellists are drawn from the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria National Accreditation System (NiNAS) and Society of Testing Laboratories of Nigeria (SoTLAN). Another event slated for the workshop is the induction of new members, he added.

The workshop targets over 250 participants comprising manufacturers, exporters, importers, product regulators, laboratory owners, and Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, among others.