Experts highlight need to improve Nigeria’s food supply chain for food security

Nigeria possesses vast agricultural potential, yet experts have identified critical weaknesses in the nation’s food supply chain that hinder its ability to achieve food security. At a recent Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Roundtable held in Lagos, key industry figures underscored that increasing food production alone is insufficient without efficient mechanisms for storage, processing, and distribution.

Analysts observe that while Nigeria’s large population and agricultural resources provide a solid foundation, the larger obstacle remains in the execution of supply chain logistics. Alban Igwe, a member of the United Nations Advisory Group, illustrated this by comparing Nigeria’s Benue State to Singapore. Despite Benue’s expansive land area and population of 6.6 million, it struggles to adequately feed its residents, while Singapore—a country of just over 1,000 square kilometers and 6.2 million people—achieves high food security without domestic production by effectively managing its supply chains.

Industry leaders stressed that supporting smallholder farmers, who supply more than 90% of Nigeria’s food, is vital to transitioning from subsistence to commercial agriculture. Effective linkages between farmers, processors, logistics providers, financiers, and markets must be strengthened to reduce post-harvest losses and improve access to markets.

Government officials highlighted food as a sustainable economic opportunity of strategic importance. Unlike finite resources such as oil and gas, food production and security will remain a fundamental aspect of national development given the continuous global demand.

Examples of successful agricultural enterprises with robust supply chains were cited, demonstrating the potential economic gains Nigeria can harness by improving food logistics. Moreover, competition for essential inputs like land and water is expected to intensify, making their optimal management crucial for future food security and economic power.

International partners, including British International Investment, have prioritized support for smallholder farmers, fertilizer production, and agro-processing initiatives in Nigeria. Investment in these areas could significantly enhance the agricultural value chain, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost Nigeria’s overall food security.

For Nigeria, addressing supply chain inefficiencies represents a critical avenue for leveraging its agricultural wealth to feed its growing population and foster economic diversification.