In Nigeria, recent regulatory efforts sought to prioritize food safety, revising outdated policies and clarifying roles and responsibilities between over a dozen Ministries, Departments, and Agencies at the federal level. Drafted to harmonize federal food safety regulation efforts, the National Food Safety and Quality Bill has yet to be enacted into law – though it currently awaits a final reading by Nigeria’s 9th National Assembly.
Traditional markets, where many Nigerians buy and sell food, are overseen by Local Government Area Councils, who have little expertise in food safety systems. Without federal regulations on vendor training and licensing, traditional markets pose increased food safety risks for consumers.
This brief is adapted from an EatSafe program report.