The Nigerian Council of Food Science and Technology (NiCFoST) has called for the mandatory involvement of licensed Food Science and Technology professionals in the implementation of the newly unveiled National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services.
This was the thrust of a strategic courtesy visit by the leadership of NiCFoST to the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) in Abuja on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Receiving the delegation, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of BPP, Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, commended NiCFoST for its professionalism, patriotism, and proactive engagement.
Dr. Adedokun stated that BPP views public procurement not merely as a compliance tool, but as a strategic enabler for national development, economic growth, and the promotion of public health.
He assured the delegation that BPP would partner with NiCFoST and carefully review its observations with a view to incorporating relevant inputs into the operationalisation of the National Guidelines.
According to him, multi-stakeholder collaboration remains vital to ensuring that public funds deliver optimal value while safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerian citizens.
The DG further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, are committed to promoting quality assurance in food procurement and encouraging the consumption of safe, healthy, and nutritious diets.
He emphasised that the National Guidelines, being a product of an Act of Parliament, must be fully implemented and subjected to periodic review.
In her remarks, the Registrar/CEO of NiCFoST, Mrs. Veronica Eze, commended the Federal Government and BPP for the successful launch of the National Guidelines for Public Procurement of Food and Related Services.
She explained that NiCFoST, established in 2019, is statutorily mandated to regulate and advance the practice of Food Science and Technology in Nigeria.
Mrs. Eze said NiCFoST’s review of the Guidelines identified a critical gap, noting that “While the Guidelines comprehensively address procurement processes and food safety requirements, they do not expressly recognise the role of licensed Food Science and Technology professionals, who are specifically trained and regulated to undertake the food science functions necessary to achieve those food safety requirements.”
She further said that food must be scientifically and technologically managed across the entire value chain, including processing, preservation, packaging, storage, transportation, preparation, and distribution by competent, professionally accountable personnel.
According to her, “Procurement procedures determine how food is procured. Food Science and Technology practice ensures that the food being procured is safe, nutritious, wholesome, and fit for human consumption, “ she added.
NiCFoST therefore requested that it be recognised and included as a technical stakeholder in the implementation, review, and capacity building activities relating to the National Guidelines.
Specifically, the Council urged BPP to: Promote the registration, licensing, and deployment of qualified Food Science and Technology professionals in public food procurement; Encourage procurement of food and related services from professionally managed and duly regulated food vendors at the Federal, State, and Local Government levels; and Support NiCFoST in closing existing professional gaps in the food sector.
The visit concluded with a mutual commitment by BPP and NiCFoST to establish a Joint Technical Working Framework to ensure seamless compliance, monitoring, and evaluation of food procurement processes nationwide.
Signed
Ngozi Anyaelezu
Assistant Chief Information Officer
Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)
12/8/2026.
