Nigeria Tops Africa in Food Waste with 38 Million Tonnes Lost Every Year — EU Raises Alarm

The European Union has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s escalating food waste problem, revealing that the country loses an estimated 38 million tonnes of food annually, the highest in Africa.

Speaking in Abuja during International Zero Waste Day, EU Deputy Ambassador Zissimos Vergos described the situation as alarming, warning that it threatens food security, the economy, and the environment.

Vergos stressed that reducing food waste is crucial to sustainable development, noting that globally, nearly one billion tonnes of food was wasted in 2022 alone.

He warned that food waste contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and significantly drives methane pollution.

He, however, acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts, including its circular economy roadmap and waste management initiatives, describing them as important structural steps toward long-term solutions.

To tackle the crisis, the EU highlighted three key actions: improving rural infrastructure like roads and cold storage to reduce post-harvest losses, boosting food processing into value-added products, and embedding zero-waste education into school curriculums.

The EU, alongside the Nigerian government and United Nations Industrial Development Organization, called for urgent collective action, warning that wasted food also means wasted water, energy, and labour.

Nigeria’s Environment Minister, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling the issue, revealing plans to reduce food waste in major markets nationwide.

He noted that cutting waste would help reduce pollution, conserve resources, and improve food security.

Also speaking, UNIDO’s Philbert Johnson emphasised that food is critical to economic stability and public well-being, warning that inefficient food systems can have far-reaching consequences.See more full, details. .