Nigeria grows enough food—but loses too much of it. Experts say the real problem isn’t farming, it’s what happens after harvest.
The Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa is calling for urgent investment in cold-chain infrastructure, warning that poor storage and logistics—not low production—are driving Nigeria’s food crisis.
Speaking at the West Africa Cold Chain Summit in Lagos, OTACCWA President, Alexander Isong, said up to 50% of perishable food is lost yearly due to lack of proper preservation systems.
According to him, Nigeria’s food system is failing between the farm and the market, leading to high food prices, waste, and reduced farmer income.
“Investing only in production increases waste. But with strong cold-chain systems, we can store better, reduce losses, stabilise prices and even boost exports,” he said.
He stressed that less than 5% of food in Nigeria is transported under temperature-controlled conditions—highlighting a major gap in the supply chain.
Experts at the summit also pointed to weak rural aggregation, poor logistics, and inadequate infrastructure as key barriers to food security.
OTACCWA says the solution lies in partnerships, technology, and strategic investments to build a modern food system that preserves value from farm to table.
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