Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has emphasised that food fortification and workforce nutrition are among the most cost-effective investments in national economic development.

The group said due to the high economic burden of vitamins and mineral deficiencies, it was important to visit companies to ensure food fortification compliance and workforce nutrition are adhered to strictly for increased productivity and economic growth.

NESG said it is on this premise that it collaborated with eHealth Africa and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) for an advocacy visit to NASCON Allied Industries Plc, producers of Dangote Salts.

The Thematic Lead, Input and Distribution Thematic Group, Agriculture and Food Security Policy Commission, NESG, Mr Dianabasi Akpainyang, said food fortification improves nutrition and health, adding that it is also a cost-effective intervention that adds essential nutrients to foods consumed by large populations.

Akpainyang reiterated the importance of workforce nutrition in the country, noting that working-class individuals spend one-third of their day within the work environment with a good percentage of them not eating healthy.

He said this significantly impacts productivity as malnourished workers are more likely to be sick, tired, have industrial accidents and be absent from work, thereby leading to lost man hours.

Akpainyang stated that this also affects economic development, just as he revealed that Nigeria loses an estimated $1.5 billion in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) yearly due to diminished productivity and increased healthcare costs caused by malnutrition.

He said it was on this premise that the NESG and her partners, CISLAC and eHealth Africa, are holding the advocacy visit to raise awareness on the importance of micronutrient deficiency and to advise on effective strategies to address it.

Akpainyang urged companies to promote workforce nutrition among staff members, adding that it is essential for economic growth and development.

The Quality Assurance/Control Head, NASCON Allied Industries Plc, Mr Danjuma Musa, said iodine fortification of salt was a mandatory requirement in the country, adding that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has established a standard for iodine content of fortified salt.

He said Dangote salt was fortified with iodine at the recommended and specified level, which would help the growth and development of the human body, noting that the company was ISO9001 & ISO 22000 certified.

On her part, the Human Resource Manager, Dangote Salt, Mrs Helen Omoba, said the company had implemented a fortified meal plan that would benefit the employees and the company.

She said the company has also educated its employees about the benefits of a fortified diet and how fortified meals can help them improve their health, productivity and overall well-being.