Food Scientists Seek Funding to Turn Research into Marketable Products in Nigeria

Lack of Funding Limits Food Innovation

NIFST President and Chairman of Council, Dr Bola Osinowo, said Nigeria was losing valuable economic opportunities because many research findings remained in academic journals and laboratories instead of becoming commercial products.

He explained that inadequate financing was a major challenge, particularly for agricultural technology startups seeking to develop and market innovative products.

Traditional banks are often reluctant to fund these businesses because of perceived investment risks, making it difficult for researchers to move from product development to commercial production.

Osinowo recommended alternative funding options, including impact investing, crowdfunding and blended finance, which combines public and private funding.

He also called for tax incentives for research and development to encourage businesses to invest in local innovation.

NAFDAC Calls for Stronger Industry Collaboration

The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, said Nigeria had significant potential in food science, agriculture and indigenous food resources.

However, she stressed that research would have greater economic value when translated into practical solutions and commercially viable products.

Adeyeye urged researchers, investors, businesses, government agencies and regulatory institutions to work together to improve the commercialisation process.

She also emphasised that food safety and regulatory compliance must remain central to product development.

According to her, meeting the required standards should not be viewed as an obstacle to innovation but as a way to build consumer confidence, support sustainable businesses and improve access to wider markets.

Poor Storage Leads to Agricultural Waste

One of the major challenges highlighted at the conference was the loss of agricultural produce caused by inadequate storage facilities.

Adeyeye estimated that between 40 and 50 per cent of agricultural produce was wasted because of poor storage conditions.

These losses reduce farmers’ earnings, affect food availability and increase pressure on the food supply chain.

Investment in food preservation technologies, cold-chain facilities and processing equipment could help reduce waste and preserve the value of agricultural products.

For businesses, better storage systems could also create opportunities in food processing, packaging, transportation and distribution.

Government Urged to Support Local Food Businesses

Osinowo called on the government to simplify regulatory processes for new food products and invest in rural infrastructure, including processing facilities and cold-chain systems.

He also recommended stronger intellectual property protection to help researchers and businesses benefit from their innovations.

These measures could encourage more investment in food technology and support the growth of businesses developing locally produced food products.

Stronger partnerships between universities and private companies could also help researchers understand market needs and develop products that consumers are willing to buy.

What This Means for Nigerian Businesses

The call for increased funding and stronger research partnerships presents opportunities for businesses across Nigeria’s food and agricultural sectors.

1. New investment opportunities: Investors could support startups developing food preservation technologies, improved processing methods and innovative food products.

2. Growth in local manufacturing: Commercialising local research could help businesses produce more food products domestically and reduce dependence on certain imported products.

3. Reduced food waste: Improved storage, processing and packaging could help businesses preserve agricultural produce and reduce financial losses.

4. Job creation: Expanding food processing and manufacturing businesses could create employment opportunities across production, distribution and retail.

5. Better access to markets: Businesses that meet food safety and quality standards may be better positioned to supply larger retailers and explore export markets.

For entrepreneurs, the opportunity lies in connecting scientific discoveries with practical market needs and building sustainable businesses around them.

NIFST Strengthens Professional Training

The institute also highlighted efforts to address the skills gap between academic training and industry requirements through the NIFST Academy.

According to Osinowo, the academy has established 10 faculties, engaged more than 55 resource persons and developed 32 training programmes.

The initiative aims to strengthen professional capacity and help graduates transition from academic study into the food industry.

The institute has also established partnerships with organisations including the Malaysian Palm Oil Council and the International Sweetener Association.

These efforts are intended to improve professional development and strengthen connections between food science education and industry needs.

Conclusion

Nigerian food scientists are calling for stronger financial support and industry collaboration to turn research findings into products that can generate income, create jobs and improve food security.

Addressing funding gaps, simplifying regulatory processes and investing in storage and processing infrastructure could help more innovations reach the market.

For Nigerian businesses, the development presents opportunities to invest in food technology, reduce agricultural waste and expand local food production.

The challenge now is to build a stronger connection between research, investment and commercial production so that scientific discoveries can deliver practical economic benefits.

Source: Punch Newspapers, October 14, 2026.