Nigeria has been ranked Africa’s highest food waster with 38 million tonnes lost yearly, prompting urgent calls from the European Union, government, and UNIDO for reforms to tackle environmental and food security risks.
Nigeria has been identified as Africa’s largest food waster, losing an estimated 38 million tonnes annually, according to the European Union, the Federal Government, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation. The disclosure was made during the commemoration of International Zero Waste Day in Abuja, where stakeholders called for urgent reforms to curb waste and promote sustainable consumption.
EU Deputy Ambassador Zissimos Vergos warned that food waste contributes significantly to environmental degradation, accounting for up to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 40 per cent of methane emissions. He stressed that beyond food loss, the crisis reflects wasted water, energy, and labour, undermining efforts to combat hunger and climate change.
The Federal Government highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the Circular Economy Roadmap and targeted interventions to reduce post-harvest losses. Officials urged investments in rural infrastructure, food processing, and education on sustainability, while reaffirming commitments to build resilient food systems and reduce waste nationwide.
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