The Director General of the Federal Institute of of Industrial Research (FIIRO), Dr. Gloria Elemo on Friday urged the Federal Government to effectively fund research and development to strategically re-position the country to drive the necessary change for food security.

Speaking at Bells University in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, she said this is imperative especially at a time when the Federal Government is taking bold steps towards ban on importation of staple food items into the country

She also called on research institutions, universities across the country to rise up and play strong parts to ensure the realization of the agenda for food security and nutrition for the teeming population of Nigerians.

Dr Elemo maintained that to address this deficiency, a multipronged approach is needed, especially science and technology to ensure better quality of food and nutrition

She also challenged policy makers to be up and doing in driving the necessary action plans in this regard and suggested a strong political will, multi-sectoral coordination and cooperation among agencies of government and effective infrastructural development

Dr Elemo suggested that the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology should sustain efforts in driving the evolution of a robust national system of innovation as a key pillar on Nigeria’s economic transformation.

A World Health Organization (WHO) report says about 45% of all child deaths are linked to food insecurity and malnutrition. The report also shows that Africa accounts for a larger percentage of this figure.