Opening Remarks By The Director-General
NAFDAC At The End-Of-Pilot Validation, Learning And Dissemination Event Of The 2026 Annual Market-Level Large Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) Maiden Digital Monitoring And Compliance Survey Held On 18th June 2026 At Bon Hotel Ikeja Residence, Lagos.
PROTOCOLS
Directors, Heads of Directorates,
Deputy Directors,
Representative of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN),
Members of the NAFDAC LSFF Project Team,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning.
It gives me great pleasure to join you today at this End-of-Pilot Validation, Learning and Dissemination Event of the 2026 Annual Market-Level Large Scale Food Fortification (LSFF) Maiden Digital Compliance Monitoring Survey.
I wish to commend the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (FSAN) Directorate and all collaborating Directorates and Units of the Agency for the successful implementation of this important pilot project.
Food fortification remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for addressing micronutrient deficiencies and improving nutritional outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. However, the effectiveness of food fortification programmes depends on strong regulatory systems that can ensure compliance with established standards and provide credible evidence for decision-making.
As a regulatory Agency, NAFDAC remains committed to strengthening mechanisms that promote compliance, improve transparency and enhance consumer protection. This commitment requires us to continuously evaluate and improve our approaches to monitoring and surveillance. The project being disseminated today represents an important step in that direction.
Through the support of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) under the LSFF Innovation Fund for Regulatory Agencies, NAFDAC had the opportunity to pilot innovative digital approaches to market-level compliance monitoring. The project introduced digital tools designed to improve data quality, strengthen accountability, enhance traceability and provide real-time visibility of field activities.
Beyond the technologies deployed, the project demonstrates the value of innovation in strengthening regulatory effectiveness. It shows that digital systems can support more efficient monitoring processes, improve oversight and generate evidence that can guide policy decisions and regulatory actions.
I am particularly encouraged by the collaborative approach adopted during implementation. The successful delivery of this project reflects the combined and collaborative efforts of the Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Directorate as the anchor Directorate, ICT Directorate, Food Laboratory Services Directorates, Planning, Research and Statistics, Finance & Accounts Directorate and other supporting Units. It also reflects the value of strategic partnerships in addressing complex public health challenges.
As we review the achievements, lessons learned and recommendations emerging from this pilot, I encourage all participants to focus not only on what has been achieved, but also on how these gains can be sustained and expanded. The lessons generated through this project provide an opportunity to strengthen existing systems and contribute to the broader digital transformation agenda of our Agency.
I wish to express the appreciation of NAFDAC to the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Gates Foundation for their continued partnership and support towards strengthening food fortification compliance monitoring in Nigeria. Such collaborations remain essential for advancing public health goals and improving nutritional outcomes for our population.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today’s event provides an opportunity for reflection, learning and constructive dialogue. I am confident that the discussions will generate valuable insights that will help shape future interventions and strengthen regulatory systems within the Agency.
It is therefore my honour and distinct pleasure to formally declare this End-of-Pilot Validation, Learning and Dissemination Event open.
I wish you fruitful deliberations and a successful event.
Thank you.
Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, FAS
Director General, NAFDAC
