The Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST) has called for stronger food standards to promote Nigerian cuisine globally.
Former Chairman of NIFST, Lagos Chapter, Sunday Bamgbose, made the call at a meeting with members of the Association of Nigerian Journalists and Writers of Tourism (ANJET).
The meeting, organised by ANJET, examined the relationship between food and tourism and Nigeria’s potential to attract visitors through its cuisine. Bamgbose said Nigeria had an advantage in food diversity that could be developed into a stronger tourism product.
He recalled his experience travelling to The Gambia, where he observed the country’s dependence on tourism in spite of its limited food variety.
Bamgbose said Nigeria needed to project its food culture positively while addressing safety concerns that could discourage visitors from experiencing local cuisine. “I can see the potential of tourism in Nigeria if we put our act together.
“If we do this, I believe we start talking about, just as we talk of Chinese food, we start talking of Nigerian food in a very short time,” he said. Bamgbose said Nigeria could use its food culture to attract visitors and generate stronger interest in the country.
He, however, emphasised that food safety was critical because poor practices could damage the reputation of Nigerian cuisine. He said tourists could be discouraged from experiencing local food if they suffered food poisoning during their visit.
Bamgbose said NIFST had previously undertaken street food safety activities, including visits to markets and street vendors.
NIFST Public Relations Officer, Olutaller Akinwole, said the institute’s training arm could support the hospitality industry through food safety and other specialised courses.
Akinwole said the institute could also develop customised training programmes for businesses operating in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Mrs Taiwo Ubani, Chairperson, Local Organising Committee of the institute’s 50th anniversary, said awareness was critical. She said many people involved in unsafe food practices were unaware of the consequences of their actions.
Also, NIFST National Secretary, Rasaq Oke, said stakeholders needed to work together to educate people involved in food handling and production.
Oke said food safety was not limited to professionals because unsafe food could ultimately affect families and consumers.
Earlier, NIFST President, Dr Biodun Osinowo, said the institute was involved across the food value chain, from reducing post-harvest losses to promoting food safety.
He said NIFST’s Food Safety Committee educated market women on basic hygiene and warned against using harmful chemicals to preserve food.
Osinowo said the institute also supported food exporters with training on international requirements for production, processing and packaging.
He said meeting such requirements was important because Nigerian products could be rejected in international markets if they failed to comply.
Osinowo said NIFST, established in 1976, had more than 15,000 members and 11 active chapters. He said the institute’s 50th anniversary conference would hold from Oct. 12 to Oct. 16 in Lagos.
