Experts under the aegis of the Society of Testing Laboratory Analysts of Nigeria have raised fresh concerns over climate change impacts on food systems, warning that Nigeria risks deeper food insecurity unless urgent action is taken.
The analysts, who will converge in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from July 8 to 10 for the 7th Annual Conference of Public Analysts, said their focus would be on science-based solutions to tackle climate-induced food threats.
Speaking during a media chat on Thursday, SoTLAN President, Prof Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, said the conference, themed “The Role of Public Analysts in Tackling the Challenge of Climate Change for Food Security”, would address how data from public laboratories can drive environmental and food system interventions.
“Our forests have been depleted, our water polluted, and our food systems compromised. Public Analysts must rise to the task of monitoring and mitigating these environmental threats,” Ogunmoyela said.
Ogunmoyela accused unlicensed individuals of infiltrating the field, describing them as quacks. He urged the public to demand analysis reports bearing the IPAN Practice Licence Stamp, which he said was the only document recognised in court.
While commending the Federal Government for settling salary arrears of regulatory staff in the health sector, Ogunmoyela urged President Bola Tinubu to end what he called a “cycle of disruption” in professional regulatory institutions.
He said this year’s conference would also challenge policymakers and stakeholders to commit to practical steps for reversing climate-linked food threats.
“This conference is a clarion call to policymakers, analysts, regulators and the public to come together to protect our environment, secure our food systems and uphold professional standards,” he said.
0 Comments