To accelerate large-scale food fortification in staples like rice, edible oil, flour, and sugar, the Millers for Nutrition initiative has been unveiled in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.
However, this cross-sector partnership, spearheaded by millers and supported by industry experts, aims to enhance access to nutritious foods for Nigerians, promoting healthier and more productive lives.
Launched during the 9th Agrofood Nigeria Exhibition and Summit in Lagos, the initiative pledges to fortify staple foods to reach a billion people by 2026.
Speaking during the launch, Rizwan Yusufali, Program Director, Millers for Nutrition at TechnoServe, emphasized the commitment of Nigerian millers to fortification excellence, highlighting the initiative’s goal to turn good fortification practices into a business advantage.
The initiative, spanning eight countries in Africa and Asia, focuses on staples such as rice, edible oil, and flour, aiming to combat malnutrition and improve public health by incorporating essential vitamins and minerals into widely consumed products.
However, participating millers will receive recognition and support through platforms like the MFI Awards, tailored training, and technical assistance to facilitate fortification.
Boye Olusanya, Group Managing Director of Flour Mills of Nigeria, expressed the commitment of millers to enrich their brands with necessary nutrients, encouraging others to join the Millers for Nutrition initiative.
Founding partners and technical supporters are collaborating to provide expertise and resources to support millers in specific regions or staple foods.
At the launch event, the winners of the 2024 MFI Awards were celebrated for their exemplary efforts in fortifying their products. Key figures from the nutrition sector, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and NAFDAC, expressed support for the initiative’s goal of positively impacting the nutrition of one billion people by 2026.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is providing strategic input and investment, while TechnoServe oversees program activities, ensuring the success and sustainability of the Millers for Nutrition initiative in Nigeria and beyond.