The Federal Government of Nigeria in its plan to better the lives of the citizenry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASCO Foods Limited, for the commercial production of high nutrient density biscuits to feed about 30 million school children below the age of 13.
Mr. Ogbonnaya Onuoha, the Minister of Science and Technology, speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja said the MoU was a necessary step in order to advance the implementation process of government’s desire to enhance healthy development of children through the programme.
The minister said that the project was conceived out of the need to tackle increasing food challenges especially lack of vital vitamins facing children between the ages of 5 and 13 years in primary schools.
He added, “This is surely the best way to go as the nation is giving serious attention to utilisation of indigenous technologies as a potent strategy to diversify the economy to provide alternative revenue sources.
“In this process, jobs will be created, wealth will be generated and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), will be enhanced through the productive sector of the economy,”
The high nutrient density biscuits according to the Minister is one of the products of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos and would meet at least one-third recommended dietary allowance of pupils.
The General Manager of NASCO Foods, Mr. Ibrahim Sani, in his remark thanked the Ministry for considering the company worthy to partner with it in the commercial production of the biscuits.
He added that NASCO Foods limited is an indigenous company with a capacity and experience to produce as much biscuits to feed 25 million children in public primary schools across the country noting that the company has made immense contributions to the Economic development of the nation in its 50 years of existence.
Present at the signing ceremony also was the Director General of FIIRO, Mrs Gloria Elemo who remarked that the mandate of the institute was to conduct research and development into food and agro-allied processing technologies. She added that; “The signing of MoU signifies the technical commencement of strategic partnership with NASCO Foods to fully commercialise the biscuits production technology.
“The biscuit is developed from indigenous crops which reflect the nation’s best in terms of foods security, safety and standard which will be commercially produced with this arrangement.”
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