BY OLANIYI OLUGBENGA JOSEPH
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described smart packaging for food security as a national priority capable of ensuring food security, redefining non-oil export and boosting the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the remark at the 11th edition of Propak West Africa 2024 Smart Packaging Conference 3.0 organised in collaboration with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and others, held on Tuesday at Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Food Security: Implementation of Sustainable Packaging to Reduce Food Waste”.
Represented by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the Governor stated that smart packaging is of paramount importance to our nation’s economic stability, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of our people.
His words: “Packaging for Food Security is a National Priority as Nigeria continues to grow in both population and economic ambition. The issue of food security has taken centre stage in our national development agenda. Despite our rich agricultural resources, we still face significant post-harvest losses due to inadequate processing, packaging, and storage. It is estimated that up to 40 per cent of food produced in Nigeria is lost before it reaches the consumer.
“As a government, we understand that creating an enabling environment is fundamental to unlocking the potential of smart packaging and sustainable plastics. Our policies must reflect our commitment to foster innovation, support local manufacturing and enforce responsible plastic usage”.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised that his administration will continue to promote legislation that incentivises sustainable business practices, reduce barriers to green technologies, and champion recycling initiatives.
“But beyond regulations, we recognise that success in this area requires close collaboration with the private sector, academia, and civil society. Our shared responsibility is to build a future where Nigeria leads in sustainable packaging solutions that reduce food waste and mitigate environmental harm from plastics.
“I encourage every stakeholder here to embrace the themes of this year’s event with urgency and determination. We must actively seek out ways to implement smart packaging technologies that ensure food security and reduce waste. We must collaborate across sectors to manage plastics responsibly and push forward innovations that protect both our economy and our environment”, he said.
Regional Director, Montgomery Group/Organisers of the exhibition, George Pearson enthused that Propak West Africa has grown year on year to become the largest and most attended platform serving the manufacturing sector in West Africa, with over 275 exhibitors and brands from 36 countries showcasing their products to over 5,500 industry professionals while showcasing the international appeal of the event.
“As a forum for product and solution procurement, business networking and solution showcasing, Propak West Africa has been designed to support companies and individuals involved across the manufacturing spectrum by creating an environment where business partnerships can start, develop and flourish under one roof over three days right here in Lagos”, he said.
Sharing the perspectives of the Manufacturer’s Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Director-General/CEO, Dr. Segun Ajayi-Kadiri (MNI), represented by Assistant Director, Corporate Communications, Dr. Segun Alabi, stated that the value addition that the manufacturing sector offers the agricultural sector cannot be overemphasised, however, there is the need to further strengthen the synergy between the agriculture and manufacturing sectors, to deliver the much-desired and long-awaited food security in Africa.
“The combinative solution that smart packaging offers helps to extend shelf life, monitor food quality and reduce waste. This is what we should be focusing on as we can no longer afford more waste as a Nation”, he said.
The three-day 2024 Smart Packaging Conference 3.0, which ran from Tuesday, 10th to Thursday, 12th September, 2024 showcased diverse manufacturing machines and products from various manufacturers.
