NAFDAC Warns of Rising Food Safety Risks, Calls for National Collaboration
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control has raised concerns over unsafe food in Nigeria, urging nationwide collaboration to address preventable foodborne illnesses.
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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a stark warning about the growing threat of unsafe food in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated action to protect public health. Director-General Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye sounded the alarm during the 2026 World Food Safety Day commemoration in Lagos, highlighting the persistent risks posed by foodborne diseases.
Adeyeye called for renewed commitment from all stakeholders to ensure access to safe and wholesome food for all Nigerians. The event, held under a yet-to-be-disclosed theme, served as a platform for NAFDAC to reinforce its mandate and mobilize public and private sector support for food safety reforms. According to Vanguard News, the agency warned that millions of lives remain at risk from preventable foodborne illnesses, underscoring the systemic challenges in food production, distribution, and regulation.
The agency’s push for nationwide safety reforms comes amid increasing concerns over adulterated and substandard food products in the market. NAFDAC has identified lapses across the food supply chain, from informal processing units to unregulated retail outlets. The Whistler reported that Adeyeye emphasized collective responsibility, urging citizens, industry players, and regulatory bodies to strengthen compliance and surveillance mechanisms.
While specific data on foodborne illness incidence was not provided in the source material, NAFDAC’s public statements reflect an escalating concern over preventable health risks linked to food safety. The agency continues to advocate for stronger enforcement, public education, and inter-agency collaboration to mitigate these threats. As Nigeria confronts evolving public health challenges, NAFDAC’s call signals a critical step toward safeguarding the nation’s food supply.