TGI reiterates commitment to industrial food fortification for Nigerians
THE Tropical General Investments ( TGI) Group has again demonstrated a solid commitment to advancing industrial food fortification and workforce nutrition in the country.
At the recent CEO Roundtable organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group ( NESG), themed: ‘ Profitable Protections: The Business Advantage of Industrial Food Fortification Compliance and Workforce Nutrition,’ Head of Corporate
Communications at TGI, Rafiat Gawat, delivered a compelling presentation, shining a spotlight on WACOT Rice’s pioneering role in rice fortification in Nigeria. She announced a significant milestone, with TGI’S WACOT rice producing approximately 500kg of fortified rice last month, underscoring the company’s vital role in fortifying staple foods.
Gawat stressed the need to broaden investment in food fortification beyond advocacy efforts, extending the focus to urban communities. She said the approach would ensure that the benefits of fortified food reach all segments of the population, contributing to the prevention of malnutrition in the country.
“Beyond product innovation, our commitment to food fortification extends to work inclusion in the entire process. TGI Group believes in the transformative power of fortified food, not only for consumers but also for our workforce. This commitment aligns with our vision of creating sustainable impact across the entire value chain and prioritising the general wellbeing of our workforce.”
The Head of Quality Control at TGI Group, Mustapha Mohammed, who shared valuable insights during the programme, sheds light on critical aspects of food fortification, saying: “Our rice mill in Kebbi has been selected as one of the best for the fortification of rice. To ensure the success of fortified food products, customers must perceive value. This can be achieved through customer education programmes emphasising the benefits of fortified food.”
He stressed the importance of research and development in understanding food components and micronutrients, while highlighting the need for local testing laboratories. “If we do not have testing houses in Nigeria, the cost to test these products outside the country will significantly contribute to the product’s price, thereby making it unappealing to both the manufacturer and ultimately the consumer.”
The organisation hinted that as a conglomerate dedicated to excellence and innovation, it would continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food industry in Nigeria, adding the roundtable served as a platform for TGI to emphasise its dedication to profitable protections through industrial food fortification and promotion of workforce nutrition.