Nigeria strengthens cold chain infrastructure to boost food security

NIGERIA – The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing cold chain infrastructure in Nigeria to improve food security and reduce post-harvest losses. 

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this declaration at the 7th West African Cold Chain Summit and Exhibition (WACCSE 2025) and the 10th Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria exhibition held at the Landmark Conference Centre in Lagos.

Kyari highlighted the need for innovative approaches to address challenges posed by climate change, economic volatility, and inefficiencies in agricultural supply chains.

Lagos positioned as an agribusiness hub

Declaring the exhibition open, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu emphasized Nigeria’s projected economic growth, stating that the country is expected to become Africa’s largest consumer market by 2050. 

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu described the event as a platform for fostering innovation, investment, and technological advancements in agro-processing, food production, packaging, and plastics.

He urged stakeholders to explore collaborations that would support sustainable growth within Lagos, Nigeria, and the broader African continent.

Agricultural trade sees promising trends

German Consul General Weert Börner noted that food insecurity affected more than 30 million Nigerians in 2024, though there are indications of improvement. 

He highlighted that Nigeria’s agricultural trade volume in 2024 was the highest recorded in recent years. Importantly, exports outpaced imports for the first time in years, with cocoa products, sesame, and cashew nuts leading the way.

Experts project a 10% annual growth rate for Nigeria’s food market between 2025 and 2030, a trend that could boost the country’s agricultural sector and improve food security.

Cold chain deficiencies and economic losses

At the summit, the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) stressed the importance of the cold chain sector in achieving food security. 

OTACCWA President, Alexander Isong, stated that approximately 40% of Nigeria’s annual food production—equivalent to 55 million tonnes—is lost due to poor cold chain infrastructure. This results in an estimated economic loss of ₦3.5 trillion (US$1B), underscoring the potential for investment in Nigeria’s food systems.

Isong noted that over 30% of locally produced beef and dairy products spoil before reaching consumers, leading to additional losses of around ₦200 billion (US$480M). He called on investors to capitalize on opportunities in Nigeria’s cold chain sector to improve food preservation and reduce wastage.

Enhancing certification for international trade

Isong also addressed the importance of certification for Nigerian agricultural exports. He pointed out that without proper certification, local agro-produce cannot compete in international markets. 

While foreign partners at the summit expressed interest in trading with Nigeria, certification requirements remain a barrier.

The Federal Government has acknowledged this challenge, with ongoing efforts to align Nigerian agricultural products with international standards. Isong expressed optimism that improved certification processes would enhance Nigeria’s ability to trade with global partners in the near future.

The summit and exhibition continue to serve as key platforms for discussions on cold chain development, investment opportunities, and policy directions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food security framework.