LAGOS STATE SAFETY COMMISSION COMMEMORATES 2026 WORLD FOOD SAFETY DAY, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO SAFE FOOD FOR ALL

Mr. Lanre Mojola, Director General, Safety Commission. 

The Lagos State Government has joined the global community in commemorating 2026 World Food Safety Day. 

 In a statement issued on Sunday, The Director General, Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola reiterated the Lagos state Government’s commitment to the occasion, observed annually on June 7. 

Mojola stated that the Commission has joined the global community to celebrate the 2026 World Food Safety Day as set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness on the importance of food safety and inspire actions that help prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. 

Highlighting the theme: “From burdens to solutions - safe food everywhere”, he noted that food safety remains a critical public safety, health and economic issue. Safe food is fundamental to healthy lives, sustainable development, consumer confidence, and business growth. 

As Africa's largest mega city in the economy and a major commercial hub, Lagos food system prioritizes hygiene, quality assurance, and safety at every stage of food chain. 

He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to food safety, he said he ensuring food safety is a shared responsibility involving government agencies, food manufacturers, processors, distributors, restaurants, hospitality operators, food vendors, and consumers. Every stakeholder has a role to play in preventing food contamination, foodborne illnesses, and other hazards that threaten public health, Safety & Wellbeing. 

According to him, over the years, the Commission has implemented several initiatives aimed at strengthening food safety standards across Lagos State. These includes regular safety audits and risk assessments of restaurants, eateries, bakeries, supermarkets, shopping malls, hospitality establishments, and other public facilities; monitoring compliance with safety regulations; issuance of safety compliance certifications and enforcement of corrective actions where safety infractions are identified. The Commission's mandate includes conducting risk assessments and compliance monitoring in food-related establishments across the State. 

He maintained that The Commission remains committed to fostering global best practice in safe food culture. 

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Through its safety capacity building initiative programs targeted at businesses and the general public, the Commission has continued to promote safety culture through specialized training, sensitization programmes, stakeholder engagement and public enlightenment campaigns for food service operators and industry stakeholders, emphasizing proper food handling practices, hygiene standards, food storage requirements, hazard control measures and consumer safety. 

More recently, the Commission organized and supported food safety capacity-building workshops and training programmes for stakeholders in the food, hospitality, and events sectors, reinforcing the importance of science-based approaches, regulatory compliance, and preventive measures in ensuring safe food for consumers. 

Mojola reiterated the Commission resolve to work collaboratively with stakeholders to strengthen food safety systems across the State.

"Food safety is not optional; it is a necessity. Every meal consumed by Lagosians should meet the highest standards of safety and hygiene. 

We urge all food business operators to comply with established safety requirements and adopt best practices that protect public health. Together, we can build a safer and healthier Lagos." 

He urged all stakeholders to support the government and renew their commitment to food safety and make it a priority in homes, businesses, institutions, and communities. 

He stated that The Commission remains committed to its vision of making safety a lifestyle in Lagos State and will continue to promote policies, programmes, inspections, training, and stakeholder engagement initiatives that protect lives and property.

“Safe Food Today for a Healthier Lagos Tomorrow” he said.