FOOD PROCESSING, PACKAGING TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT LAGOS SUMMIT

Food processing and packaging have taken centre stage at a business summit in Lagos, as industry stakeholders discuss ways to strengthen Nigeria’s food value chain and reduce post-harvest losses.

The summit brought together players across agriculture, food manufacturing, packaging, retail, and related industries to explore opportunities for improving efficiency and competitiveness.

Participants highlighted the importance of modern processing technologies and better packaging solutions in preserving food, extending shelf life, and improving the quality of locally produced products.

They noted that Nigeria loses significant quantities of agricultural produce due to inadequate storage, processing facilities, transportation, and packaging infrastructure.

Stakeholders said greater investment in food processing could also help farmers earn better returns by creating markets for raw agricultural products and reducing dependence on the sale of unprocessed produce.

The summit also focused on the role of packaging in improving the appeal and marketability of Nigerian food products, particularly for export markets.

Industry experts called for stronger collaboration between government and private-sector operators to address challenges such as high energy costs, limited access to finance, and inadequate infrastructure.

They also urged manufacturers to adopt modern technologies and environmentally responsible packaging practices as consumer preferences continue to change.

Participants said strengthening the food processing and packaging industries would create jobs, support local manufacturing, improve food security, and increase Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international markets.

The stakeholders reaffirmed the need for continued investment and collaboration to build a more efficient and sustainable food value chain in Nigeria.