Editorial
Promoting Food Safety Practices
Safe food is very essential for maintaining good health. Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemicals can heavily
contaminate food or water and cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, the entire food chain must take necessary steps to prevent the spread of these illnesses. Proper handling, harvesting, processing, storage, distribution, preparation, and consumption of food are all crucial measures for promoting overall wellness and health.
More than 600 million people fall ill every year on account of unsafe food, jeopardizing public health and economies. Vulnerable populations, including women, children, conflict-affected individuals, and migrants, are most impacted. Contaminated food causes an estimated 420,000 annual deaths, and children under five are particularly at risk, with 125,000 dying each year, carrying 40 per cent of the foodborne disease burden.
World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is an annual occasion observed on the 7th of June with the key objective of creating awareness and promoting measures to avert, identify, and control foodborne threats. This undertaking has a substantive influence on numerous facets of our existence, encompassing sustenance, food security, human well-being, financial prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism, and sustainable growth.
WFSD observance is facilitated by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in collaboration with member states and other relevant bodies. This international day serves as a shot to reinforce efforts to guarantee the safety of our food. It is also an opportunity to make food safety a priority in the public’s mind and to decrease the global burden of foodborne diseases.
Taking on the theme, “Food Standards Save Lives”, it is vital to recognise the crucial role that food standards play in ensuring food safety and saving lives. These standards offer guidance to farmers and processors on proper food handling practices, while simultaneously defining the maximum levels of additives and contaminants that can be considered safe for consumption. The standards have been established by governments, organisations, as well as regional and intergovernmental bodies.
Consumers rely on the information on food packaging to determine if their food is safe. This information is guided by food safety standards for farmers and food processors. Unfortunately, modern farming practices have resulted in increased use of pesticides, chemicals, and additives in food, which can be harmful if not regulated. Water contamination is also a significant concern. The WFSD works to ensure that food standards are followed to promote the best possible health outcomes for all consumers.
The first-ever World Food Safety Day was observed on June 7, 2019, signifying a critical step in addressing food safety challenges globally. The World Health Assembly passed resolution WHA73.5 on August 3, 2020, recognising the importance of WFSD in generating awareness about food safety, preventing foodborne illnesses worldwide, and strengthening global efforts to maintain food safety.
In Nigeria, the intricacies of food safety culture are heightened because of the country’s diverse nature, encompassing over 250 ethnic groups. Unfortunately, with the onset of urbanisation and fluctuating incomes, a large section of the populace remains unaware of the prevailing food safety issues. As such, the government’s regulatory body must enhance its oversight on food safety to ensure greater public protection. Sadly, there has been a discernible lack of progress in public engagement on this critical matter in recent years.
Foodborne illness is a serious problem in Nigeria, with over 200,000 deaths annually. Despite efforts to meet the WHO’s standards for safer food, the lack of basic amenities such as running water and sanitary units has made it difficult to achieve. As a result, food safety problems have become more pronounced throughout the entire food chain in the country. Unsafe foods are the cause of many diseases and contribute to other poor health conditions, such as impaired growth and development.
Poor food safety practices are attributable to multiple factors. These include the expanding population, income inequalities, elongated food distribution networks, constantly changing demographics, insufficient education quality, food consumption habits, and inadequate regulation. These issues are especially predominant in regions with limited economic development.
The increase in issues related to food preparation, safety, sale, and consumption of street foods in inappropriate places is posing a huge challenge to promoting food safety culture in Nigeria. The authorities need to closely monitor these hot-button matters, as well as the public’s lackadaisical attitude towards food safety measures, uncoordinated approach to food control, and poor enforcement of legislation and regulatory limits.
Policymakers and food regulators should ensure that public procurement of food, including food aid, school feeding, and other publicly owned food outlets, provides safe and healthy options for consumers. The government should establish policy measures and legal frameworks to strengthen the national food safety system, ensuring compliance with food safety standards and regulations. Multisectoral collaboration at the local, state, and national levels is imperative to achieve these goals.
Food handlers and vendors must maintain high standards of hygiene, conduct frequent health checks, improve environmental sanitation, and adequately prepare food. This helps reduce the risk of foodborne infections and diseases. Consumers must also be certain of the safety and quality of the foods they consume, as well as the environment in which they are prepared or sold.
This year’s World Food Safety Day serves as a crucial reminder for Nigerians to prioritise food safety as a public health concern. Safe and wholesome food is requisite in boosting immunity and improving the body’s natural defences against diseases. The international day also presents an opportunity for Nigerians to create awareness and generate discussions around food safety. Eating right eliminates the need for medication.
Editorial
No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike
Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.
What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.
According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?
In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.
We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.
The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.
Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.
Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.
Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.
This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.
Editorial
No To Political Office Holders’ Salary Hike
Nigeria’s Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has unveiled a gratuitous proposal to increase the salaries of political and public office holders in the country. This plan seeks to fatten the pay packets of the president, vice-president, governors, deputy governors, and members of the National and State Assemblies. At a time when the nation is struggling to steady its economy, the suggestion that political leaders should be rewarded with more money is not only misplaced but insulting to the sensibilities of the ordinary Nigerian.
What makes the proposal even more opprobrious is the dire economic condition under which citizens currently live. The cost of living crisis has worsened, inflation has eroded the purchasing power of workers, and the naira continues to tumble against foreign currencies. The majority of Nigerians are living hand to mouth, with many unable to afford basic foodstuffs, medical care, and education. Against this backdrop, political office holders, who already enjoy obscene allowances, perks, and privileges, should not even contemplate a salary increase.
It is, therefore, not surprising that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has stepped in to challenge this development. SERAP has filed a lawsuit against the RMAFC to halt the implementation of this salary increment. This resolute move represents a voice of reason and accountability at a time when public anger against political insensitivity is palpable. The group is rightly insisting that the law must serve as a bulwark against impunity.
According to a statement issued by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the commission has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Although a hearing date remains unconfirmed, the momentous step of seeking judicial redress reflects a determination to hold those in power accountable. SERAP has once again positioned itself as a guardian of public interest by challenging an elite-centric policy.
The case, registered as suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1834/2025, specifically asks the court to determine “whether RMAFC’s proposed salary hike for the president, vice-president, governors and their deputies, and lawmakers in Nigeria is not unlawful, unconstitutional and inconsistent with the rule of law.” This formidable question goes to the very heart of democratic governance: can those entrusted with public resources decide their own pay rises without violating the constitution and moral order?
In its pleadings, SERAP argues that the proposed hike runs foul of both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution and the RMAFC Act. By seeking a judicial declaration that such a move is unlawful, unconstitutional, and inconsistent with the rule of law, the group has placed a spotlight on the tension between self-serving leadership and constitutionalism. To trivialise such an issue would be harum-scarum, for the constitution remains the supreme authority guiding governance.
We wholeheartedly commend SERAP for standing firm, while we roundly condemn RMAFC’s selfish proposal. Political office should never be an avenue for financial aggrandisement. Since our leaders often pontificate sacrifice to citizens, urging them to tighten their belts in the face of economic turbulence, the same leaders must embody sacrifice themselves. Anything short of this amounts to double standards and betrayal of trust.
The Nigerian economy is not buoyant enough to shoulder the additional cost of a salary increase for political leaders. Already, lawmakers and executives enjoy allowances that are grossly disproportionate to the national average income. These earnings are sufficient not only for their needs but also their unchecked greed. To even consider further increments under present circumstances is egregious, a slap in the face of ordinary workers whose minimum wage remains grossly insufficient.
Resources earmarked for such frivolities should instead be channelled towards alleviating the suffering of citizens and improving the nation’s productive capacity. According to United Nations statistics, about 62.9 per cent of Nigerians were living in multidimensional poverty in 2021, compared to 53.7 per cent in 2017. Similarly, nearly 30.9 per cent of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$2.15 per day. These figures paint a stark picture: Nigeria is a poor country by all measurable standards, and any extra naira diverted to elite pockets deepens this misery.
Besides, the timing of this proposal could not be more inappropriate. At a period when unemployment is soaring, inflation is crippling households, and insecurity continues to devastate communities, the RMAFC has chosen to pursue elite enrichment. It is widely known that Nigeria’s economy is in a parlous state, and public resources should be conserved and wisely invested. Political leaders must show prudence, not profligacy.
Another critical dimension is the national debt profile. According to the Debt Management Office, Nigeria’s total public debt as of March 2025 stood at a staggering N149.39 trillion. External debt obligations also remain heavy, with about US$43 billion outstanding by September 2024. In such a climate of debt-servicing and borrowing to fund budgets, it is irresponsible for political leaders to even table the idea of inflating their salaries further. Debt repayment, not self-reward, should occupy their minds.
This ignoble proposal is insensitive, unnecessary, and profoundly reckless. It should be discarded without further delay. Public office is a trust, not an entitlement to wealth accumulation. Nigerians deserve leaders who will share in their suffering, lead by example, and prioritise the common good over self-indulgence. Anything less represents betrayal of the social contract and undermines the fragile democracy we are striving to build.
Editorial
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