Nigerian Food Scientists Advocate for Enhanced Support to Commercialize Research

Food scientists in Nigeria are urging the government and industry stakeholders to implement tax incentives and alternative financing options to facilitate the commercialization of research in the food sector. This call comes amid concerns that valuable research conducted in Nigerian universities and laboratories often fails to translate into market-ready products, limiting job creation and exacerbating food waste.

During the recent 50th conference and annual general meeting of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) held in Lagos, experts highlighted several barriers hindering the commercialization of food innovations. NIFST President Bola Osinowo emphasized that despite the wealth of knowledge generated in academic settings, much of it remains unpublished or confined to academic circles, failing to benefit the wider community.

Osinowo pointed out that traditional banks are hesitant to finance agricultural technology startups due to perceived risks associated with the sector. He advocated for the adoption of innovative funding mechanisms such as impact investing, crowdfunding, and blended finance to enhance access to capital for food entrepreneurs.

The need for streamlined regulatory processes was also a key topic of discussion. Osinowo called for faster approvals from regulatory bodies, alongside investments in rural infrastructure, particularly in cold-chain systems and processing facilities. He argued that tax incentives aimed at research and development, as well as stronger intellectual property protections, could attract much-needed investment into the sector.

Mojisola Adeyeye, the director-general of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), echoed these sentiments, stating that Nigeria's agricultural resources could yield significant economic benefits if research findings are effectively transformed into safe and nutritious products. She stressed the importance of collaboration among researchers, businesses, and regulators to foster innovation while ensuring food safety and compliance.

Adeyeye also highlighted the alarming issue of post-harvest losses, estimating that between 40% and 50% of agricultural produce is wasted due to inadequate storage facilities. She called for increased investment in food preservation technologies and urged food scientists to focus on innovations that tackle food insecurity, malnutrition, and waste.

In his keynote address, Lateef Oladimeji Sanni, executive director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, emphasized the necessity of stronger partnerships between researchers, government entities, and private businesses. He noted that Nigeria's substantial cassava production, which stands at approximately 64 million metric tonnes annually, presents a significant opportunity for local manufacturing and job creation. Sanni advocated for the increased use of high-quality cassava flour in bread production and the expansion of starch and ethanol production.

Furthermore, Sanni encouraged the NIFST to attract private investment, support local processing equipment manufacturers, and create platforms to demonstrate and commercialize locally developed technologies.

Osinowo also highlighted NIFST's initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap between academic training and industry needs through the establishment of the NIFST Academy. The academy has developed numerous training programs and engaged a wide range of resource persons to enhance the skills of food professionals.

Founded in 1976, NIFST has played a pivotal role in shaping food science education in Nigeria, contributing to curricula in over 40 tertiary institutions and supporting food safety initiatives. The institute continues to represent food professionals on the National Codex Commission, advocating for standards and practices that ensure food safety and quality.

As Nigeria seeks to enhance its food security and reduce reliance on imported food products, the collaboration between food scientists, industry stakeholders, and government entities will be crucial in unlocking the potential of the country's agricultural research. The call for tax incentives, alternative financing, and stronger partnerships represents a significant step towards transforming research into tangible benefits for the Nigerian economy and its citizens.