Nigeria wastes an estimated 38 million tonnes of food annually, the highest on the African continent, even as over 34 million citizens are projected to face severe hunger between June and August 2026.

The warning was delivered during the commemoration of International Zero Waste Day in Abuja by Zissimos Vergos, who highlighted the environmental, economic, and social costs of food loss.

Vergos noted that wasted food depletes vital resources such as water, energy, and labour, and contributes significantly to climate change, accounting for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the report, prepared by the Nigerian government in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization and Food Security Sector partners, hunger remains a pressing crisis in Nigeria, with millions at risk of acute food insecurity.

Vergos acknowledged the Nigerian government’s steps, including the Circular Economy Roadmap and strengthened waste management policies, but stressed that more robust measures are urgently needed.

Recommended interventions include investment in rural roads, cold storage systems, agro-processing facilities, and integrating zero-waste education into school curricula.

Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal called food waste a major national challenge, especially amidst the ongoing food insecurity crisis. He highlighted government initiatives aimed at reducing post-harvest losses in major markets to safeguard resources and ensure equitable food distribution.

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Country Representative, Amb. Philbert Johnson, also emphasized that efficient food systems are critical for economic growth, societal stability, and public health. He warned that unchecked food waste undermines national resilience and hampers development objectives.

Experts say addressing food waste is essential not only to combat hunger but also to achieve sustainable development and reduce Nigeria’s contribution to climate change. Investments in storage, transport, and education, coupled with stronger policies, could transform Nigeria’s food sector into a more efficient, climate-smart system.

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The World Bank has approved a $500 million loan to support Nigeria’s agriculture sector, targeting enhanced productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods. The financing is part of ongoing efforts to address structural inefficiencies and strengthen the country’s economic resilience.

Financing Framework and Objectives

The funding will focus on:

• Enhancing agricultural productivity across key commodities.
• Improving access to inputs and modern farming techniques.
• Strengthening value chains, including storage, processing, and distribution.
• Promoting climate-resilient agriculture and irrigation systems.

Improving market access for smallholder farmers, who contribute significantly to Nigeria’s agricultural output.

Tackling Food Security Challenges

Nigeria faces growing food security pressures due to population growth, supply disruptions, and rising production costs. The World Bank loan is expected to stabilize domestic food supply, boost production, and reduce dependence on imports, helping to ease food inflation and overall economic pressure.

Strengthening Rural Economies

Agriculture remains a primary source of employment in rural Nigeria. By enhancing productivity and market accessibility, the program is expected to increase farmers’ incomes, reduce poverty, and drive inclusive economic growth.

Infrastructure and Value Chain Development

The program includes strategic investments in agricultural value chains, focusing on logistics, storage, processing, and transportation infrastructure. Improved infrastructure will reduce post-harvest losses, increase efficiency, and improve pricing outcomes for farmers.

Policy and Institutional Implications

The World Bank financing also aims to:

• Modernize farming practices with technology-driven solutions.
• Support economic diversification, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenues.
• Improve inflation dynamics by increasing food production.

Implementation Challenges

Effective deployment will require addressing:

• Insecurity in farming regions.
• Limited infrastructure and logistics.
• Governance and accountability issues.

Success depends on transparency, coordinated policy, and sustained investment in agriculture and rural development.

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Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, says the Federal Government is implementing measures to sustain the ongoing decline in food prices across Nigeria.

Speaking in Abuja after a Senate public hearing on key agriculture bills, Kyari said the government is focusing on lowering the cost of fertiliser, irrigation, and fuel, while expanding access to credit for farmers through public-private partnerships.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), food inflation dropped from 20.12% in August to 18.02% in September 2025, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline.

Kyari announced that the government has launched a community-based storage initiative to curb post-harvest losses, replacing large urban silos with smaller facilities closer to farmers. “About 85% of our new storage will be in rural areas,” he said.

He added that funding support will come from the New Growth Infrastructure Fund and the National Agriculture Development Fund, aimed at strengthening the food supply chain and stabilising prices.

Kyari reaffirmed that the reforms are part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focused on food security, rural prosperity, and farmer empowerment.

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The Federal Government has introduced new reforms to boost private sector investment in Nigeria’s agriculture and improve food security across the Sahel region.

Speaking at the FAO Hand-in-Hand Sahel Regional Initiative in Rome, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, outlined measures designed to attract sustainable investments and accelerate agrifood transformation.

He said the National Agrifood System Investment Plan (NASIP) is being upgraded into a National Public–Private Investment Portal, a digital platform showcasing opportunities in mechanization, irrigation, storage, logistics, and digital agrifood services.

Kyari also announced new investment incentives, including targeted tax and import duty reliefs, as well as risk-sharing facilities in collaboration with international development partners.

The government is expanding the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) from eight to 27 states to reduce operational costs for agro-processors. Additionally, the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST) aims to reduce the N3.5 trillion lost annually to postharvest inefficiencies through better storage and cold chain systems.

Kyari emphasized the need for strong institutions, innovative financing, and effective governance to drive agricultural growth. He reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration is committed to creating a stable environment for both local and foreign investors through partnerships with FAO, AfDB, IFAD, and other agencies.

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The Federal Government has announced a ₦6.3 billion intervention package in the form of interest- and collateral-free loans to 21,000 Nigerians affected by recent floods, in a move aimed at supporting recovery efforts and bolstering food security.

Speaking in Abuja on Monday at a roundtable marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, said the initiative will provide ₦300,000 each to beneficiaries over the coming weeks.

“This intervention is designed to support farmers and strengthen flood-affected communities,” the minister said, noting that the scheme aligns with the administration’s broader poverty reduction strategy.

Sununu added that the National Social Investment Program has already disbursed over ₦300 billion in Conditional Cash Transfers to more than 8.1 million households, contributing to improved health, education, and resilience among vulnerable groups. The program will continue under the President’s “Hope Agenda,” he said.

The minister also revealed a new collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) through an off-take scheme. Under the model, the government will purchase 70% of produce cultivated by IDPs, while participants retain the remaining 30%, ensuring a guaranteed market and immediate cash support.

Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, underscored the rising risks posed by climate change, conflict, pandemics, and technology-driven disasters. She called for a paradigm shift from reactive to preventive disaster management.

Umar unveiled two new policy frameworks: the NEMA Strategic Plan (2025–2029) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (2025–2030), which aim to improve preparedness, resilience, and data-driven decision-making. NEMA is also developing a National Risk Monitoring and Information Platform to enhance early warning capabilities.

She further advocated for sustainable financing models, including catastrophe bonds, climate funds, and blended finance to support long-term disaster prevention and recovery efforts.

The high-level event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, lawmakers, development partners, and international agencies.

According to figures from NEMA’s 2025 Flood Dashboard, as of October 10, floods have claimed 238 lives, displaced over 135,000 people, and affected more than 409,000 residents across multiple states. At least 826 people have sustained injuries, while 115 remain missing.

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Turkey is facing its worst drought in more than half a century, with rainfall dropping 27 percent below the 30-year average, according to the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM).

From October 2024 to August 2025, precipitation averaged 401.1 mm, compared to 548.5 mm in previous decades. Southeastern Anatolia saw rainfall fall by over 60 percent, while reservoirs in the west dropped to just three percent of normal levels.

The country also endured record heat, with July the hottest in 55 years and Silopi hitting 50.5°C. Adana recorded its hottest day in 95 years at 47.5°C, worsening wildfires and water shortages.

The drought has devastated agriculture, threatening exports like apricots, figs, and hazelnuts. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan estimated farm losses at 23 billion lira ($557 million) and promised aid for uninsured farmers.

Experts warn that 88 percent of Turkey faces desertification risk, with rainfall projected to drop by a third and temperatures rising by up to 6°C by the century’s end.

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Renowned economist Dr. Doyin Salami has called for a shift from traditional cooperatives to a more efficient ‘farmer aggregation’ model to boost productivity in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Speaking at the 12th Annual Public Lecture of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Lagos, themed “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” Salami noted that agriculture now accounts for nearly 29% of Nigeria’s GDP but remains dominated by smallholder farmers with limited support.

“Agriculture is the largest single sector of the country, instead of creating farmer cooperatives, which farmers often cannot manage, we need farmer aggregation now. This approach provides an incentive structure to effectively organize farmers for support and improvement.”

He further explained that aggregators would serve as intermediaries providing inputs, finance, and technical assistance. “They will service the farmer, ranging from input extension service to finance. They can go to the bank and borrow and on-lend,” Salami added.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, also present at the event, emphasized collaboration across sectors to reduce poverty. “As leaders, whether in government, the church or the private sector, we must collaborate to break this cycle,” he said.

He highlighted state initiatives such as subsidized farm inputs, free healthcare for vulnerable citizens, and alternative transport solutions to ease living costs.

Foursquare’s General Overseer, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, stressed the role of faith and dialogue in shaping national development. “No nation can experience true stability without deliberately tackling poverty,” he said.

The event, which also marked the church’s 70th anniversary, brought together leaders from government, business, and the faith community to discuss strategies for inclusive economic growth.

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The official unveiling took place at the Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, where Sanwo-Olu was joined by several high-profile guests, including governors from five states and leaders from both the public and private sectors. Among those in attendance were Governors Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Umaru Bago (Niger), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), and the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olajide Owolabi. Ekiti State was represented by a delegate.

Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that Lagos consumes more than half of the food traded across the Southwest, placing immense pressure on supply chains. He said the state’s food economy, valued at over N6 trillion, suffers a 50% loss in produce due to inadequate storage and inefficient transport logistics.

“It became clear that we must organise our food systems to feed our people well,” the governor stated. “With the ‘Produce for Lagos’ programme, we are directly addressing these gaps by enhancing logistics and connecting our dynamic food economy with producers across the country.”

The governor also introduced 150 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered 40-foot trucks under the Lagos Food Systems Infrastructure Company. These trucks, he said, are designed to transport food efficiently across the country and return without refueling—marking a major shift in agricultural logistics.

“This initiative is not just about today’s needs. It’s about building an ecosystem that meets future demands,” Sanwo-Olu added. “We are combining policy with infrastructure and financial models that will endure, ensuring food availability for future generations.”

The project is supported by various special purpose vehicles including the Lagos Bulk Trading Company and private logistics provider Ekolog.

Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), pledged N25 billion in support of the initiative, stating, “The programme will help address unemployment, and UBA is fully committed to being a part of this transformational journey.”

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago also pledged his state’s support by offering 500,000 hectares of farmland exclusively for food production for Lagos.

“When I saw ‘Produce for Lagos,’ I said, no—I am farming for Lagos,” Bago remarked. “This is our way of creating value through partnership.”

The initiative also drew praise from the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who called the project “one of the most visionary food interventions” in recent times.

“This gives farmers value for their produce while ensuring the city builds a resilient food system. This is how we build the Lagos—and Nigeria—of the future,” Tijani noted.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, echoed similar sentiments, commending the Lagos State Government for recognizing the link between food security and national stability. In a statement released through Defence Headquarters, he applauded the collaboration with private and state-level partners, calling it “a timely and strategic intervention.”

The initiative, aligns with the Lagos State Agriculture and Food Systems Roadmap of 2021 and signals a new era of collaborative governance in addressing Nigeria’s food challenges.

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This initiative aims to provide a market for farmers in Niger State to sell their agricultural produce and meet the food demand of Lagos residents at a stabilized price.

The MoU, signed in Lagos, covers a range of agricultural produce, including paddy rice, tubers, legumes, and grains. Governor Umar Bago signed on behalf of Niger State, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu signed for Lagos State.

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The agreement underscores Niger State’s commitment to achieving food security, aligning with both its own administration’s policies and those of the Federal government. Governor Bago emphasized Niger State’s capacity to not only feed the nation but also to export food to other countries. He expressed readiness to engage in similar partnerships with more states to enhance food security and drive agricultural growth.

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