IPAN to tackle drug, food insecurity with advanced lab practice

The Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN) has emphasised on the need to ensure Nigerians are given food, drugs and cosmetics of good and internationally acceptable quality through advancing analytical laboratory practice in the country.

This, the Institute, said is in line with the 1974 Federal Military Government provision of Food and Drug Decree which provides “The control of adulteration and preparation of foods, drugs and cosmetics under insanitary conditions, and for the prevention of the importation of such and sale of those certified unfit for human use.”

To address the challenges of harmful industrial products in the country, the institute said it has concluded plans to host its 27th yearly training workshop and celebrate its 25th anniversary, which would identify measure to solve the challenges and bridge the knowledge gap in the country.

The event is billed to hold from Wednesday, November 6 to Thursday 8, 2018 at Ostra Hall and Hotels, Alausa, Ikeka and Best Western Channel (BWC) hotel, Bar Beach, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island Lagos respectively, with the theme: “Advancing Analytical Laboratory Practice in Nigeria: Viable Business and Financing Options.”

Briefing journalists in Lagos on the event, the Acting Registrar, Duro Abdusalam said it was designed to bring together industry experts and stakeholders to proffer solutions to the critical issues that affect food security and laboratory practice in the country, while it also seeks to educate the public on the importance of the quality of what the citizens consume, bordering on food safety, dangers of fake, substandard and adulterated products.

He disclosed that the chief host would be the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, and the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmni Ambode as the special guest of honour, while the former Vice President, African Development Bank, Bisi Ogunjobi will be the Keynote Speaker along side other delegation of speakers and special invitees.

According to him, “The laboratory is key to quality assurance of export products and locally consumed materials. Data obtained by public analysts after laboratory evaluations are used to assure safety and quality of food, pharmaceuticals, water, chemical materials, including oil and gas and to ensure compliance with environmental and other regulations.”

Explaining further, the Chairman, Silver Jubilee Anniversary, Ademilola Adebayo said laboratory analysis ensures products meet the appropriate safety and quality requirements in import/export trade, thereby positively enhancing international trade, adding that public analysts, through their activities, prevent avoidable sickness and deaths, increase profitability of business, ensure protection of the environment and promote agriculture among other useful contributions.

Highlighting activities for the programme, Adebayo said there would be excursion to National Museum, Onikan, Investiture, induction and awards, unveiling of professional stamp for registered IPAN Laboratories, exhibitions and anniversary dinner.