Reps Urge FG to Strengthen Food Safety Regulations

The House of Representatives of Nigeria, on a Tuesday session, called on the Federal Government to enhance food safety regulations to address the increasing wave of foodborne diseases. This resolution followed a motion presented by Edo lawmaker Mr. Billi Osawaru, who cited a World Health Organization report indicating that unsafe food leads to 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths globally each year.

Africa records the highest number of foodborne diseases. The motion received overwhelming support, with Speaker Tajudeen Abba presiding over the session.

The House urged the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, SON, and NCDC to improve nationwide surveillance and inspection across the entire food product value chain. They also called for adequate funding for food testing equipment and the training of food handlers.

The motion underscored the need for urgent investment in clean potable water and sanitation infrastructure to minimize contamination risks, as Nigeria faces approximately 50 million foodborne illnesses and 53,000 deaths annually due to unsafe food.