Nigeria is currently grappling with a major food waste problem, with about 38 million tonnes of food lost every year more than any other country in Africa.
This growing issue has drawn attention from global partners, including the European Union, the Nigerian government, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), all of whom are urging immediate action to reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption.
Food waste goes beyond discarded meals. It represents a loss of critical resources such as water, energy, and labour. It also contributes significantly to environmental damage and climate change, making it a global concern as much as a national one.
“Nigeria wastes roughly 38 million tonnes of food every year, more than any other country on the African continent,” Deputy Ambassador, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, said.
Globally, the situation is just as alarming. Nearly one billion tonnes of food were wasted in 2022 alone, accounting for almost 20% of food available to consumers.
“This is not just a loss of food, it is a squandering of precious resources, a missed opportunity to combat hunger, and a direct threat to our planet’s health,” he added.
Beyond hunger, food waste plays a major role in environmental degradation, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and methane production.
Despite the scale of the challenge, Nigeria has begun taking steps toward a solution. Policies like the circular economy roadmap and waste management initiatives show a shift toward long-term structural change.
“The Nigeria circular economy roadmap, the establishment of the Interministerial circular economy committee, the push to develop a National Plastic Waste Management Regulation are not small gestures, adding that they are structural shifts.
“This signals that Nigeria is not waiting for someone else to solve its problem; it is building the system to solve it from within. Now, today’s theme, food waste reduction, minimisation and valorisation, is the right conversation in the right moment.”
Experts have also highlighted practical solutions, including improving rural infrastructure, investing in storage and cold chains, and supporting local food processing industries. Educating younger generations on sustainability is another key recommendation.
“The EU stands ready to be your partner in that work, through funding, through technical cooperation, and through genuine solidarity.”
Government officials have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling the issue, emphasizing that reducing food waste is essential for environmental protection, economic stability, and public health.
“Food waste remains a significant challenge that affects not only our environment, but also our economy and society.
“Every discarded meal represents wasted resources such as water, energy, labour, and capital, while Nigerians continue to face food insecurity.
“Addressing food waste is, therefore, central to sustainable development and ensuring a healthier future for all.
“The Federal Ministry of Environment, in this year’s national appropriation, has developed projects on food waste elimination in major markets around Nigeria.
“And this is to show you that the Federal Ministry of Environment is tackling the issues of food waste at its core, especially post-harvest losses.”
Reducing waste, officials note, will help conserve resources and encourage more responsible consumption habits nationwide.
“Reducing food waste will not only help to lower pollution and greenhouse gases, but also conserve valuable resources and promote more efficient and responsible consumption patterns across households, businesses, and institutions,” he said.
UNIDO also stressed the broader importance of food systems to national stability and economic growth.
“Food is far more than a commodity: it is a foundation of wealth, a driver of health, and a pillar of security. It sustains our homes, supports industries, and underpins the stability of our societies.
“When food systems function efficiently, they generate income, enhance resilience, and improve well-being. When food systems fail, when food is lost or wasted, the consequences ripple across our economies, our environment, and our communities.”
