Juliet Ezeh
Nigeria is currently grappling with a severe food waste crisis, with an estimated 38 million tonnes of food wasted annually—more than any other country in Africa. This alarming figure was highlighted by the European Union (EU), the Federal Government, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) during the commemoration of this year’s International Zero Waste Day in Abuja.
The event, themed “Food Waste Reduction – Minimisation and Valorisation,” emphasized the urgent need to tackle food loss and promote sustainable consumption and production practices. According to EU Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, food waste does not just represent lost meals; it also wastes the water, energy, and labour invested in producing it while contributing significantly to climate change. Globally, nearly one billion tonnes of food were wasted in 2022 alone, accounting for up to 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and 40 percent of global methane emissions. These figures highlight the environmental and economic consequences of inefficient food systems.
Vergos outlined the three critical lessons from the EU’s experience that could help Nigeria reduce food waste. First, investment in rural roads, storage facilities, and cold chain infrastructure is essential to address the “last mile” of the supply chain beyond the farm. Poor infrastructure often results in post-harvest losses, particularly for smallholder farmers who lack access to efficient transport and storage solutions.
Second, the promotion of value-added processing of fresh produce, such as turning tomatoes into paste or cassava into flour, can reduce wastage while creating income opportunities for local communities. Linking farmers directly to processors and markets not only enhances food security but also strengthens the domestic agro-industrial sector.
Third, Vergos stressed the importance of embedding zero waste, recycling, and resource-saving education into the school curriculum from the primary level. Cultivating a culture of sustainability in younger generations is critical for long-term change, ensuring that the next generation of Nigerians understands the economic and environmental value of minimizing food waste.
The Nigerian government has also taken proactive steps to combat food waste. The development of the Circular Economy Roadmap, establishment of the Interministerial Circular Economy Committee, and efforts to create a National Plastic Waste Management Regulation are part of broader structural reforms aimed at building sustainable systems. Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling food waste, particularly post-harvest losses, through targeted projects in major Nigerian markets. He emphasized that reducing food waste is central to sustainable development, environmental protection, and efficient resource management.
UNIDO’s representative, Philbert Johnson, highlighted the social and economic impacts of food waste, noting that when food systems fail, the consequences ripple across communities, economies, and the environment. Food is not only a commodity but a foundation of wealth, health, and societal stability. Ensuring that food is produced, processed, and consumed efficiently can improve resilience, generate income, and enhance well-being across Nigeria.
The collaboration between the EU, Federal Government, and UNIDO underscores the need for a multi-stakeholder approach to food waste reduction. By combining funding, technical cooperation, and policy support, these partners aim to support Nigeria in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agro-industrial systems.
Experts warn that without urgent action, the environmental and economic costs of food waste will continue to rise, undermining efforts to achieve a zero-waste circular economy. The International Zero Waste Day commemoration serves as a reminder that addressing food waste is not only an environmental imperative but also a critical step toward ensuring food security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating sustainable livelihoods.
In conclusion, tackling Nigeria’s food waste crisis requires both systemic reforms and grassroots initiatives. Investments in infrastructure, promotion of value-added processing, and education for sustainable consumption are essential strategies. With coordinated efforts from government agencies, international partners, and civil society, Nigeria can significantly reduce food waste, protect the environment, and enhance food security for millions of citizens.
Juliet Ezeh is the founder and chief reporter at Westbridge Reporters with over 7 years of experience in journalism. She covers crime, industry, policy, and social developments, delivering timely and accurate reporting.