The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NASCO Food limited to produce biscuits that will feed about 30 million school children below the age of 13. This is part of the government’s social welfare programs following its election last year.
Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onu explained at the signing ceremony in Abuja, that the MoU was necessary in order to advance the implementation process of government desire to enhance a healthy development of children through the programme.
“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”.
According to him, the high nutrient density biscuits were one of the products of Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, which would meet at least one- third recommended dietary allowance of Pupils.
In a remark, the General Manager of NASCO Foods, Mr. Ibrahim Sani, thanked the ministry for counting the company worthy to partner with it in the commercial production of the biscuits.
Sani, said NASCO Foods limited is an indigenous company that has contributed immensely to the economic development of Nigeria in its 50 years of existence.
The wholly indigenous company, according to him, has capacity and experience to produce biscuit products to feed estimated 25 million children in public primary schools across the country.
Also in a brief remark, the Director General,, FIIRO, Mrs Gloria Elemo, said the mandate of the institute was to carry out research and development into food and agro-allied processing technologies.
She said: “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.”
NASCO is said to be the largest private employer and tax payer in Plateau State, and one of the largest private employers in all of northern Nigeria. NASCO Foods Ltd is currently not listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Parts of this article was culled from Thisday
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