The Lagos State Government has trained 250 women entrepreneurs on modern packaging, labelling and regulatory compliance as part of efforts to improve product quality and help women-led businesses compete in larger markets.
The training, organised through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) in collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), focused on agricultural products, food safety standards and business growth.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Bolaji Dada, said the initiative was designed to equip women with practical knowledge needed to improve their businesses and increase market acceptance for their products.
According to her, many small businesses struggle to scale because entrepreneurs lack technical and regulatory information required to meet industry standards.
She said the programme covered registration processes, packaging and labelling rules, hygiene practices, safety standards and compliance procedures expected by regulators and consumers.
“This training is a deliberate effort to strengthen women-led enterprises and expand their access to broader and more competitive markets,” Dada said.
“If women are adequately equipped with the right information, they are better positioned to grow sustainable businesses, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the economy of the state.”
The commissioner noted that women across the agricultural value chain, including food processors, traders and small-scale producers, continue to play important roles in local economic development despite several business challenges.
She added that the state government remains committed to creating opportunities for vulnerable women through skills development, knowledge transfer and partnerships that can improve livelihoods.
Dada also praised NAFDAC for supporting the initiative, saying the partnership would help bridge the gap between grassroots entrepreneurs and regulatory agencies.
She encouraged participants to apply the lessons from the training in their businesses and also build stronger professional networks that could support growth.
Dr Nelly Anselm-Onuwa, Deputy Director at NAFDAC, said the training placed strong attention on quality control, consumer protection and compliance requirements for women entrepreneurs.
She stressed the importance of food safety and urged participants to ensure products remain safe and fresh from production to final sale.
Anselm-Onuwa said NAFDAC would continue to support initiatives that protect public health through proper standards and regulations.
Speaking on behalf of participants, Mrs Folasade Ayodele described the programme as practical and impactful.
She said the training had given participants valuable knowledge that would help improve product quality, encourage compliance with industry regulations and position their businesses for greater opportunities.
