THE Federal Government has been urged to create a more enabling environment for local food manufacturers, through affordable financing, reliable infrastructure and policies that encourage local production.

The Chief Executive Officer of Spectra Industries Limited, Oko-Oba, Lagos, Chief Duro Kuteyi, who gave the advice during the celebration of the World Food Day 2026, at its headquarters, also appealed to financial institutions, farmers and private investors to work together to strengthen the country’s food value chain.

“We must invest in modern processing technologies, reduce food waste, improve food safety and make nutritious foods more accessible to vulnerable communities… Tackling malnutrition requires more than producing food. It requires ensuring that people can afford and access safe, balanced and nutritious diets.

“At Spectra Industries, we remain committed to contributing to this goal through product innovation, local value chain addition and responsible food manufacturing. Let us remember that when we invest in food processing, we invest in farmers, jobs, nutrition and the future of Nigeria,” he said.

Kuteyi noted that the 2026 World Food Day theme: “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” reminds all sector players that food decisions, investment and innovations made today will determine the health and prosperity of future generations.

He added that Nigeria is blessed with abundant agricultural resources but in spite of that, the country has continued to face challenges such as food insecurity, rising food prices, post-harvest losses and malnutrition, particularly among children.

“We recognise that food manufacturing is a not just about business, it is also about adding value to agriculture, creating jobs, supporting farmers and improving access to nutritious foods. This is why we have gathered like minds in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) space to showcase their products on a day like this. As you can see, food manufacturing equipment is also on display,” he said.

The Head of Human Resources of the company, Odimkpa Chamberlain, urged all the sector players to make innovation a continuous commitment not only in the laboratories and factories, but throughout the entire food value chain.

“As a food industry, we must look beyond simply producing more food. We must produce better, safer, more nutritious, affordable, and accessible food. Innovation must therefore influence the way we source our raw materials, process our products, reduce waste, improve nutrition, use technology, and reach consumers.

“For us at Spectra Industries Limited, innovation is not just about developing new products; it is about creating food solutions that improve lives. We have a responsibility to contribute to the fight against malnutrition, support local agriculture, create employment, and make nutritious food available to more families. One of our products, Eko baby chop-up is specifically dedicated to reversing the effect of malnutrition in children.

“If we innovate today, we can reduce food waste, improve nutrition, strengthen food security, empower farmers, create jobs, and ultimately ensure that future generations have access to safe and nutritious food.”