Lagos: Dr Adeyemi Opeoluwa, Director Scientific, Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN), has called for improved investment in laboratory regulatory capacity to advance food micronutrient analysis. Opeoluwa made this statement during the graduation ceremony of the third cohort of the Laboratory Analysis of Food Micronutrients (LAoFM) Course held on Wednesday.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the LAoFM course was a collaborative effort between the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and IPAN, with funding from the Gates Foundation. The course aims to enhance competencies and capabilities in the laboratory analysis of food micronutrients, supporting Nigeria’s Large-Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) programme. Opeoluwa highlighted the transformative role of the LAoFM e-learning course in addressing hidden hunger and improving food fortification quality in Nigeria.
He stressed that the LAoFM programme equips laboratory professionals with the necessary analytical skills to verify, standardise, and strengthen fortification efforts. He warned that without adequate testing, fortified foods might not achieve their intended health outcomes, and called for the integration of LAoFM into national nutrition and food safety strategies. Opeoluwa also advocated for multisectoral partnerships to ensure food safety, underlining the importance of quality data in informed decision-making.
Similarly, Ifunfun Akinduro, Head of Operations at GAIN Nigeria, noted that the LAoFM course had enrolled 51 candidates at both intermediate and advanced levels since it began over four years ago. Participants include key stakeholders in Nigeria’s food fortification sector, such as professionals from PZ Wilmar, Apple and Pears, Sunola, and Flour Mills of Nigeria. Akinduro mentioned that the course prepares graduates to meet international standards, as evidenced by their success in the ISO/IEC 17024:2012 aligned certification exam.
Addressing the graduates, Akinduro stated, “To our graduates, you are more than just the latest beneficiaries of this programme, you are ambassadors and standard-bearers. Your achievement today signals to the industry and the public that we are building a skilled, competent and forward-thinking workforce to safeguard our food systems.”
Mr Aliyu Angara, Registrar of IPAN, remarked that the LAoFM initiative reflects a shared commitment to tackling malnutrition and hidden hunger in the country. Represented by Christian Eboh, Director at the Institute, Angara assured that IPAN would continue to diligently pursue the course’s objectives to impact nutrition, food quality, and security positively.
