Nigeria wastes an estimated 38 million tonnes of food every year, the highest in Africa, raising urgent calls from the European Union, the Federal Government, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation to tackle food waste and promote sustainable consumption. EU Deputy Ambassador Zissimos Vergos highlighted that food waste not only squanders resources like water, energy, and labor but also contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 40% of global methane emissions.
Vergos urged Nigeria to invest in rural infrastructure, storage, and cold chains, promote processing of fresh produce into value-added products, and integrate zero-waste education into schools to build sustainable habits in future generations. The government has already launched initiatives such as the Circular Economy Roadmap and the Interministerial Circular Economy Committee, while targeting post-harvest losses in major markets.
UNIDO reaffirmed its support for Nigeria in creating resilient and sustainable agro-industrial systems. Ambassador Philbert Johnson stressed that efficient food systems boost income, strengthen communities, and enhance well-being, whereas food loss and waste have far-reaching impacts on the environment, economy, and society.
