The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has announced plans to host the 2026 Lagos State Food Safety Conference and Exhibition as part of efforts to strengthen food safety awareness and protect public health.
Eko Hot News reports that the event is scheduled for September 8, 2026, at NECA House, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos, bringing together policymakers, food handlers, manufacturers, regulators, health experts and consumers.
The conference is themed, “From Burden to Solutions: Safe Food Everywhere.”
The initiative is designed to promote a collective approach to food safety across Lagos State.
LASCOPA said the programme will address emerging challenges within the food value chain while encouraging compliance with recognized food safety standards.
The event will also promote disease prevention and responsible food handling among residents and businesses.
General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of LASCOPA, Afolabi Solebo, Esq., said food safety requires the involvement of everyone connected to the food supply chain.
He explained that responsibility begins from food production and continues through processing, transportation and distribution until products reach consumers.
Solebo urged Lagos residents to take an active interest in the quality and safety of the food they consume.
He said greater awareness and preventive measures could help reduce foodborne illnesses and protect families across the state.
According to him, food safety also has wider economic implications because safe products can strengthen consumer confidence and support businesses within the food industry.
The conference will feature several activities designed to provide practical knowledge to participants.
These will include keynote presentations, technical sessions, live cooking demonstrations and food-testing exhibitions.
Interactive workshops will also form part of the programme.
Participants are expected to receive practical guidance on hazard analysis and safe food-handling practices.
Other areas of focus will include packaging integrity and measures for preventing foodborne illnesses.
The exhibition will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn about emerging food safety technologies.
Monitoring systems and other innovations aimed at improving food quality and safety are expected to be showcased during the event.
LASCOPA said the programme will encourage stronger collaboration among stakeholders across the food value chain.
Food manufacturers, vendors, market associations and regulators are expected to play important roles in the discussions.
Public health experts and food scientists will also contribute their knowledge to the technical sessions.
The agency said such collaboration is necessary to address food safety challenges effectively.
Solebo also called on food vendors, manufacturers and other businesses to participate in the initiative.
He encouraged residents to join efforts aimed at making Lagos a leading example of food safety practices in Nigeria and Africa.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for discussing practical solutions to challenges affecting food safety.
It will also promote greater understanding of food labelling, packaging and consumer protection.
Proper labelling remains important because it helps consumers make informed decisions about products they purchase.
LASCOPA said it will continue to strengthen consumer protection enforcement across the state.
The agency will also intensify public education and stakeholder engagement as part of its food safety responsibilities.
The broader objective is to ensure that food products available to Lagos consumers are safe, wholesome and properly labelled.
The conference aligns with the Lagos State Government’s wider public health objectives.
It is also connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3, which focuses on good health and well-being.
The programme also supports SDG 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production.
Among the distinguished speakers expected at the conference are Dr. Adeniyi Adedayo Odugbemi, Global Director of Quality and Food Safety.
Dr. Nurah Oseni of the Food Technology Department at Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State, is also listed among the guest speakers.
Their participation is expected to add technical and professional perspectives to the discussions.
The conference comes as food safety continues to remain an important public health issue.
Poor food handling, inadequate storage and improper packaging can create risks for consumers.
LASCOPA’s initiative is therefore aimed at encouraging preventive action rather than waiting for food safety problems to occur.
The agency said residents have a role to play by paying attention to food quality and reporting concerns where necessary.
Food businesses, meanwhile, are expected to comply with relevant safety requirements and provide accurate information to consumers.
The September event is expected to strengthen communication between regulators, businesses and members of the public.
It will also provide an opportunity to share ideas and explore solutions that can improve food safety practices across Lagos.
Solebo reaffirmed LASCOPA’s commitment to protecting consumers through enforcement, education and collaboration.
He said the agency would continue working with relevant stakeholders to improve standards across the food sector.
With the conference scheduled for September 8, attention will now turn to preparations for the programme.
LASCOPA expects participation from stakeholders across the food value chain as Lagos seeks to strengthen its food safety culture.
The agency said collective action remains essential to ensuring that consumers have access to safe and properly handled food products.
