At a key summit in Lagos, food scientists from across Nigeria have called for the widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in the country’s food sector to address longstanding issues of food insecurity, inefficiency, and economic stagnation.
Speaking at the 11th Regional Food Science and Technology Summit, Dr Bola Osinowo, President of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), said that technology-driven solutions are now essential for transforming Nigeria’s food systems.
“The use of AI and IoT in agriculture and food logistics will enable a new era of precision farming, efficient distribution, and reduced waste,” said Dr Osinowo. “AI will help fine-tune resource use, while IoT devices can optimise storage and transportation through advanced cold-chain systems.”
The conference, themed ‘Food for the Future: Shaping a Healthier and Stronger Nation Through Food Science and Technology’, focused on how innovation and science could address Nigeria’s developmental gaps in food production and nutrition.
Dr Osinowo described the event as a milestone in NIFST’s regional outreach, creating a platform for dialogue on national food challenges. He linked the importance of food security to national stability, warning that Nigeria’s outdated agricultural practices, high post-harvest losses, and widespread malnutrition must be urgently addressed with innovative thinking.
“We need to look beyond traditional methods. The world has changed, and our solutions must evolve with it. Food science provides tools like biofortification and new processing techniques to combat nutrition deficits,” he said.
Highlighting the role of food in economic development, he added: “The food sector holds vast potential for job creation and investment, especially in processing and value addition.”
Mrs Kikelomo Amoreoluwa, Chair of the Lagos chapter of NIFST, stressed that the responsibility of shaping the nation’s food future lies heavily on scientists and technologists in the field. “Our society’s eating habits are shifting, and food professionals must innovate accordingly. ‘Foodnovation’ is no longer optional – it’s imperative,” she said.
She also outlined the summit’s aim to foster creative thinking in food product design, packaging innovation, and sustainable food systems.
In addition to technical sessions, the summit featured a vibrant inter-school competition involving secondary students from Lagos and Ogun States. Ijaiye Housing Estate Senior Secondary School clinched first place in the debate competition, followed by Oke-Ira Senior Grammar School and Homat Unique College.
The event concluded with awards and commendations, underlining NIFST’s commitment to promoting food science through education, innovation, and youth engagement.
