School feeding programme: FG okays production of high nutrient biscuits for Nigerian pupils

The Federal Government has approved the production and inclusion of high nutrient biscuits in the ongoing school feeding programme for primary school pupils in some states across the country.

The approval followed presentation of a proposal before the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting in Abuja on Wednesday by Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu.

Speaking in a chat with State House correspondents shortly after the meeting, the Minister explained that the high nutrient density products will provide at least a third of the desired major macro and micro nutrient requirements stipulated by the World Health Organisation, Food and Nutrition Board.

According to him, “Additionally, the products will be produced by NASCO Foods Limited, Jos that have the state-of-the-art processing equipment with vast experience in food processing, food safety and quality for production and supply chain nationwide.

“The developed nutritious products have been tested using Nasco food processing facilities in Jos and have been found to be technically and economically viable.

“The pupils in the schools in Jos and Lagos where the sensory evaluation and consumer acceptability studies were done showed strong likeness for the products and are ready to consume the products if included in the school feeding program.”

The school feeding programme for primary school pupils is being implemented under the Special Intervention Programme of the federal government; in partnership with willing state governments.