The Federal Ministry of Health, alongside the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and related agencies, has partnered with OSOA Foods in its advocacy for food safety and growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.

The partnership was brokered at a forum organised by OSOA Foods at the Babajide Sanwo Olu International Market in Ikosi-Isheri Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State.

The Convener and Chief Executive Officer of OSOA Foods, Solomon Oyeniran, while speaking at the forum held to jointly commemorate the World Food Safety Day and World MSME Day, hinted that the event was a pilot scheme fashioned to take a notch higher the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2024 between OSOA Foods and the Ministry of Health.

He added that the policy document aims to upscale the activities of MSMEs operating across the food supply chains in all 774 local councils of Nigeria.

Also, Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, called for stronger collective action to ensure food safety nationwide.

Adeyeye, who was represented by an Assistant Director in the agency, Samuel Ukpi, described food safety as a fundamental human right requiring sustained commitment from governments, businesses and consumers.

According to her, the 2026 World Food Safety Day, themed: ‘From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere’, demands practical and collaborative measures.

“World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder that food safety is a fundamental human right requiring collective commitment to ensure safe, nutritious food access,” she said.

She said unsafe food remained a major global public health challenge, causing economic losses, malnutrition, reduced productivity, food waste, rejected exports and preventable deaths worldwide.

Adeyeye, however, reaffirmed NAFDAC’s commitment to risk-based inspections, scientific regulation, stakeholders’ partnerships and capacity building, particularly for MSMEs involved in food production and processing.

In his goodwill message at the forum, FCCPC Health Quality Assurance and Development Officer, Akinwunmi Ishola, said ensuring safe fruits at every stage of production and distribution would reduce foodborne illnesses and strengthen public confidence in the nation’s food system.

Ishola reaffirmed FCCPC’s commitment to protecting consumers’ rights to safe, quality and properly represented food products.

He urged farmers, processors, transporters, retailers, regulators and consumers to adopt measures that prevent contamination, improve traceability and strengthen hygiene standards.

Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, represented by Mrs Adewale Abiodun, said the joint celebration highlighted opportunities for growth.

In the same vein, General Manager of LASEPA Dr Babatunde Ajayi, stressed the interconnectivity between food safety, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of communities, charging the body to keep doing great works geared towards ensuring the wellness of all.

Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, represented by Miss Omowunmi Ibraheem, said foodborne diseases remained a significant public health concern.

Ikosi-Isheri LCDA Chairman, Samiat Bada, represented by Vice Chairman, Olayinka Ogunleye, warned fruit sellers against using chemicals for preservation.