Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will revolutionise Nigeria’s food sector, enhancing food security and driving economic growth, according to the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST).
Dr Bola Osinowo, President of NIFST, stated this on Wednesday at the 11th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit held in Lagos.
Speaking on the theme “Food for the Future: Shaping a Healthier and Stronger Nation Through Food Science and Technology,” Osinowo said AI and IoT would significantly improve food production, processing, and distribution.
He added that precision agriculture using AI and sensors would optimise water and fertiliser use, resulting in better yields and less waste.
“IoT will also power efficient cold chain logistics, thereby reducing post-harvest losses, “he noted.
Speaking on the event, Osinowo said that it was designed as a regional conference, aimed at engaging members at the chapter level and broaden participation in NIFST’s activities.
He emphasised that the summit was a landmark achievement for NIFST, providing a platform to discuss critical food-related issues affecting different parts of the country.
“Food forms the foundation of life and national stability, and a nation’s development is intricately linked to its capacity to produce, distribute and consume nutritious food efficiently.
“When addressing food insecurity in developing nations, including Nigeria, we are faced with several challenges, including limited access to modern agricultural inputs and techniques, significant post-harvest losses, and widespread nutritional deficiencies,” he said
Citing examples, Osinowo referenced historical advancements such as the green revolution that transformed societies, but stressed that contemporary challenges necessitated novel, sustainable, and resilient solutions.
He asserted that these issues underscored the urgent need for innovative solutions leveraging cutting-edge science and technology.
Osinowo highlighted the focus on nutritional security, stating that food science offered solutions through biofortification and advanced food processing.
He emphasised the immense potential of the food sector for job creation and economic growth through value-added food processing industries.
In her remarks, Mrs Kikelomo Amoreoluwa, Chairman of the NIFST Lagos Chapter, stressed the indispensable role of food science and technology in achieving food security.
Amoreoluwa described food scientists and technologists as major actors in the food systems, actively involved “foodnovation” due to changing lifestyles.
She emphasised that the responsibility of achieving a healthier and stronger nation rested heavily on food professionals to define the future of food through research and innovations.
The chairman said the summit would extensively cover embracing creative new ideas in food formulation, product development, and smart food packaging solutions.
Amoreoluwa reiterated NIFST Lagos Chapter’s dedication to leading food-related discussions through impactful activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other activities that took place during the event included, awards, debate and quiz among secondary school students from Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Secondary School, Ojokoro, Lagos , Community Senior Secondary School, Mushin Lagos and Homat Unique College, Odogunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos.
Other schools were Welkin International School Atan, Ota, Ogun State, Yaba College of Technology Secondary School and Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School, Ikeja among others.
Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Secondary School, Ojokoro, Lagos came first in the debate while Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School, Ikeja came second and Homat Unique College Odogunyan came third.
