Nigeria leads Africa in food waste, losing 38 million tonnes yearly
Nigeria is facing a major food waste crisis, with an estimated 38 million tonnes of food wasted every year—more than any other country in Africa. The European Union, the Federal Government, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation are urging urgent action to tackle this issue. Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the environmental and economic impacts of food waste. Key government initiatives and international support are being mobilised to address the problem and promote sustainable consumption.
What we know
- Nigeria wastes roughly 38 million tonnes of food each year, the highest in Africa.
- The EU, Federal Government, and UNIDO are calling for urgent action to end food waste and promote sustainable practices.
- Food waste contributes up to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for as much as 40% of global methane emissions.
- The Nigerian government has developed a Circular Economy Roadmap and established an Interministerial Circular Economy Committee to address food waste.
- Zissimos Vergos recommended investing in rural infrastructure, promoting value-added products, and embedding zero-waste education in schools.
