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Nigeria wastes 38 million tonnes of food annually amid rising hunger

Nigeria faces a paradox of widespread hunger and malnutrition despite wasting an estimated 38 million tonnes of food annually, making it Africa's leading food-wasting country. Nutritionists and agricultural experts highlight that this massive food loss, occurring across the value chain, represents an economic setback and a public health challenge. The European Union's Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, confirmed Nigeria's position as the continent's top food-wasting nation, with an estimated 189 kilograms per capita annually. This contrasts sharply with 27.2 million Nigerians currently facing hunger, a figure projected to rise to 34.7 million by August 2026 without intervention. Approximately two million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, and 45% of deaths among children under five are linked to malnutrition. Professor of Public Health Nutrition, Ignatius Onimawo, noted that most wasted produce consists of micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, contributing to deficiencies. He attributed the waste to poor processing and storage systems, calling for clear government policies and their implementation. Agricultural economist Professor Benjamin Ahmed added that storage and marketing losses, along with consumer behavior, are major contributors. Experts advocate for coordinated policy actions, improved storage infrastructure, and changes in consumer habits to curb food waste and alleviate malnutrition.