By Mustapha Yauri
Abuja – The UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) says it will be the “1st Nigerian Food Safety and Investment Forum’’ in Lagos.
UNIDO said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that the forum is designed to enhance food safety and foster international business cooperation and partnerships.
It said the forum will take place within the perspective of UNIDO-EU-FGN food safety capacity building programme.
It said the forum would focus on promotion of inclusive and sustainable industrialisation by identifying, attracting and mobilising investments and appropriate technologies for small and medium enterprises in Nigeria.
It added that the forum aim to address the global governance of food regulatory systems and showcase models and best practices from all over the world.
“Through the presentation of global case studies, experts will highlight the need of industry engagement in food safety capacity building.
“Attention will also be paid to lessons learnt in other countries thus identifying new possibilities for partnerships and further improvements in food safety and regulatory systems,’’ it said.
According to the statement, the National Quality Infrastructure Project for Nigeria (NQIP) and other key stakeholders would showcase the most recent developments in its food safety policy and regulation during the forum.
It said National Quality Infrastructure Project for Nigeria, an EU-UNIDO Project in Nigeria, aims to strengthen food safety governance through capacity building and training activities.
It added that international exposure and best practices are vital to reach these goals.
The statement said that EU and UNIDO are keen to further strengthen their cooperation in food safety and related capacity building.
The two days conference is scheduled between Feb. 7 and 8, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
It advised interested participants to register online: www.fsif.nqi.nigeria.org
The technical sessions would cover national and international food safety governance; Nigeria value chain improvements as well as industry engagement, investment and technology in food safety.