Nigeria Identified as Africa's Biggest Food Waster Amidst Widespread Hunger

The European Union (EU), in collaboration with the Nigerian federal government and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), has issued a strong appeal for immediate measures to reduce food waste and promote sustainable consumption patterns across Nigeria.

Officials cautioned that the wastage of food not only results in the squandering of vital resources like water, energy, and labour but also contributes significantly to the acceleration of climate change and hampers progress towards a circular economy aimed at achieving zero waste.

A recent Cadre Harmonisé report, compiled by the Nigerian government in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and various Food Security Sector stakeholders, has highlighted alarming levels of hunger within the country. The report forecasts that as many as 34.7 million individuals could face severe food shortages between June and August 2026.

During the observance of International Zero Waste Day in Abuja, the Deputy Ambassador of the EU to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, stated that Nigeria discards approximately 38 million tonnes of food annually, making it the leading country in Africa for food waste.

He further noted that on a global scale, nearly one billion tonnes of food – representing about one-fifth of all food available to consumers – were wasted in 2022 alone.

According to Vergos, food loss and waste are responsible for up to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, including nearly 40 percent of methane emissions.

While acknowledging Nigeria's existing initiatives, such as the Circular Economy Roadmap and efforts to enhance waste management policies, Vergos emphasized the necessity for more robust actions.

He recommended investments in rural infrastructure, including improved roads, storage facilities, and cold chains, alongside the promotion of agro- processing and the integration of zero-waste education into school curricula.

The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, characterized food waste as a significant environmental, economic, and social problem, particularly in the context of pervasive food insecurity. He confirmed that the government is currently implementing projects designed to mitigate post-harvest losses in major markets.

The UNIDO Country Representative, Amb. Philbert Johnson, underscored the importance of efficient food systems for economic development, public health, and societal stability, warning that waste diminishes the resilience and progress of developing nations.