The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has called on residents, consumers, food businesses and other stakeholders to participate in the 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition.
Eko Hot News reports that the agency made the appeal as the fourth edition of the annual conference approaches, with the event scheduled to hold as a one-day programme.
The conference is themed, “From Burden to Solutions – Safe Food Everywhere.”
It is expected to bring together food safety experts, professionals, regulators, researchers, businesses and consumers to discuss challenges affecting food safety in Lagos State.
The organisers said the conference will focus on practical approaches to improving food safety and developing a safer food system across the state.
General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, described the event as an important platform for increasing public awareness about food safety.
He said the conference would also promote stronger collaboration among regulatory agencies, food industry operators, researchers and consumers.
According to Solebo, the gathering will provide an opportunity for participants to gain better knowledge of food safety practices and consumer rights.
He stressed that access to safe food remains essential to public health and the welfare of consumers.
The LASCOPA boss encouraged Lagos residents to attend the conference and take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about food safety.
He noted that food safety is not only an issue for professionals working in the food industry.
Solebo said consumers also have an important role to play in promoting safe food practices through informed decisions and responsible consumption.
The conference will feature a keynote address by Dr. Adeniyi Adedayo Odugbemi, Global Director of Quality and Food Safety at Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) in the United States.
Dr. Nurah T. Oseni, a food and cosmetics scientist, researcher and lecturer in the Department of Food Technology at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, will also participate as a guest speaker.
The event will feature a panel discussion involving professionals with extensive experience across different areas of the food sector.
The panel will be moderated by Mr. Rasaq Oke, a Nigerian food scientist, entrepreneur and industry expert with more than two decades of experience.
His professional experience covers the food, beverage, agro-allied and food tourism sectors.
Among the panellists is Mrs. Kikelomo Amoreoluwa, a food scientist, safety advocate and agro-processing entrepreneur.
She brings experience spanning academia, industry, research and non-profit leadership to the discussion.
Another panellist is Mr. Akinyele Ogunji, Principal Research Officer at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO).
Ogunji has more than 15 years of experience in food research, product development and food quality assurance.
Mrs. Moyosore Onalaja will also join the panel.
She is a technical product innovation, quality and regulatory professional with more than 20 years of experience in the fast-moving consumer goods and food industry.
The conference will go beyond presentations and panel discussions, with an exhibition featuring different goods, products and services.
The exhibition is expected to give participants an opportunity to explore new ideas and innovations within the food sector.
It will also provide businesses and professionals with a platform to interact directly with consumers and other stakeholders.
LASCOPA said the event is designed to encourage meaningful conversations around the safety and quality of food consumed by residents.
Solebo therefore urged Lagosians to participate actively in the programme, regardless of whether they work directly in the food industry.
He said greater public understanding of food safety can contribute to better consumer choices and improved practices across the food supply chain.
The agency also reaffirmed its responsibility to protect the rights and interests of consumers across Lagos State.
Solebo said LASCOPA would continue to promote consumer awareness, protection and empowerment through its programmes and initiatives.
He noted that collaboration among consumers, businesses, researchers and regulators remains important to achieving sustainable improvements in food safety.
The 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition is therefore expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and examine practical solutions.
With its focus on moving from challenges to workable solutions, the conference is expected to strengthen discussions around safe food access across Lagos.
LASCOPA has encouraged residents and stakeholders to attend the event and contribute to conversations aimed at building a stronger food safety culture in the state.
