By Abiodun Abdullai
The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Industrial Training and Employment, Hon. Adamson Oluwatosin Ayinde, has called on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to tap into opportunities within Nigeria's food production, processing, and distribution value chain to drive wealth creation and job opportunities.
Speaking in Lagos during the 2025 World Food Day event organized by Spectra Industries Nigeria Limited, Ayinde described the food sector as a major growth driver for employment and industrial development.
He said the government alone cannot achieve food security without the active participation of private investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
"Our office is developing a structured industrial training programme for food processing, packaging, safety, and equipment maintenance," Ayinde said. "This will enable Nigerian youths and SMEs to produce competitive products for both local and export markets."
He added that the World Food Day theme — "Hand In Hand For Better Food And A Better Future" — aligns with President Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes inclusive growth through collaboration among government, industry, and communities.
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Chairman of Spectra Industries, Chief Duro Kuteyi, emphasized the need to make nutritious food available to all, adding that consistent food processing will help ensure year-round food supply and stable pricing.
Kuteyi also urged the government to prioritise infrastructure and make low-interest loans accessible to SMEs through the Bank of Industry and other financial institutions.
Executive Director of Spectra Industries, Mrs. Modupe Kuteyi, noted that despite stiff competition from multinational companies, local firms can thrive through a strong commitment to quality.
Also speaking, Dr. Tony Bello, Founder of Shine Bridge Global Incorporated (USA), encouraged collaboration between local entrepreneurs and Nigerians in the diaspora to boost value addition, create jobs, and strengthen the country's agro-processing capacity.
"To drive entrepreneurship and build sustainable food systems, Nigeria must embrace value addition and diaspora investment," Bello said.
The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and SMEs to enhance Nigeria's food ecosystem and strengthen the nation's economic sustainability.
