Lagos State has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening food safety standards across the state, as it joined the global observance of the 2026 World Food Safety Day with a renewed call for stricter compliance by food businesses and greater vigilance by consumers.
The
Director-General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, Mr Lanre Mojola, made
the call in a statement on Sunday to commemorate the annual event observed
worldwide on June 7.
This
year’s theme, “From Burdens to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere,” highlights
the importance of preventing foodborne diseases and strengthening food safety
systems across the food supply chain.
Mojola
described food safety as a critical public health, economic and consumer
protection issue, noting that ensuring the safety of food consumed by residents
remains a priority for the Lagos State Government.
“Food
safety is not optional; it is a necessity. Every meal consumed by Lagosians
should meet the highest standards of safety and hygiene,” he said.
As one
of Africa’s largest commercial centres, Lagos relies on a vast food
distribution network involving manufacturers, processors, distributors,
restaurants, hospitality operators and food vendors.
Mojola
said maintaining safety standards across the chain requires collective
responsibility from all stakeholders.
“Together,
we can build a safer and healthier Lagos,” he added.
According
to the commission, efforts to strengthen food safety have included routine
inspections, safety audits and risk assessments of restaurants, bakeries,
supermarkets, shopping malls, hospitality establishments and other public
facilities.
The
agency said it also monitors compliance with safety regulations, issues safety
compliance certifications and enforces corrective measures where violations are
detected.
Mojola
noted that the commission had intensified training and sensitisation programmes
for food service operators and other stakeholders, focusing on food handling
practices, hygiene standards, storage requirements, hazard control measures and
consumer protection.
He
said the commission recently organised and supported capacity-building
workshops for stakeholders in the food, hospitality and events sectors as part
of efforts to promote science-based food safety practices and regulatory
compliance.
The
director-general stressed that the agency would continue to work with industry
operators and relevant stakeholders to strengthen food safety systems and
improve public awareness.
He
urged businesses, institutions and households to make food safety a priority
and support initiatives aimed at reducing foodborne risks.
“Safe
food today for a healthier Lagos tomorrow,” Mojola said.
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