NFA Stakeholders Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthening Food Fortification in Nigeria

The National Fortification Alliance (NFA) convened its 2025 meeting in Lagos, bringing together representatives of government ministries, regulatory agencies, development partners, academia, and industry stakeholders to review progress and chart the next phase of Nigeria's food fortification programme. The meeting, chaired by Mr. Fred Chiazor, Chairman of the National Fortification Alliance, focused on key issues affecting the sustainability and effectiveness of food fortification efforts in Nigeria, including fortification compliance, premix quality, laboratory capacity, rice fortification, and emerging opportunities in bouillon fortification. Participants reviewed national compliance data presented by the NAFDAC and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) which showed continued progress across fortified food sectors while highlighting the need for improved Vitamin A compliance in vegetable oil, sugar, and flour. Stakeholders also emphasized the importance of strengthening monitoring systems, harmonizing laboratory data, and addressing challenges associated with imported products. A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation on Digital Fortification Quality and Traceability Plus (DFQT+), which continues to support real-time monitoring and reporting within the fortification ecosystem. Updates were also received on rice fortification initiatives, laboratory strengthening efforts, and ongoing research on bouillon fortification as a potential vehicle for addressing micronutrient deficiencies. The World Food Programme (WFP) provided an update on the development of the NFA website, which is expected to enhance stakeholder engagement, information sharing, and visibility of Nigeria's fortification programme. At the conclusion of the meeting, members adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening monitoring and compliance systems, improving coordination among stakeholders, expanding fortification interventions, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the national fortification programme. The National Fortification Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with government, industry, development partners, academia, and civil society to ensure that all Nigerians have access to safe, nutritious, and adequately fortified foods.