Nigeria’s Annual Post-Harvest Losses Valued N3.5trn – OTACCWA

The Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) says Nigeria’s agriculture sector post-harvest losses stand at N3.5 trillion.

 

The Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) has evaluated post-harvest losses in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.

 

The OTACCWA President, Mr Alexander Isong, disclosed this in his address at the pre-exhibition launch of Nigeria Agrofood and Plastprintpack in Lagos.

 

Isong said the cold chain sector infrastructure must be prioritised to ensure food security.

 

“Cold chain infrastructure is not just about preservation; it is about nutrition, food safety, and national food security.

 

“With post-harvest losses in Nigeria reaching an estimated 40 per cent annually, valued at over ₦3.5 trillion, the need for a reliable cold chain system has never been more pressing.

 

“By ensuring that fresh produce, dairy, meat, and seafood maintain optimal temperatures, we can significantly reduce food waste and enhance the nutritional value of food reaching consumers.

 

“Cold chain systems are integral to preventing spoilage, reducing microbial contamination, and extending the shelf life of perishable goods.

 

“This contributes to better nutrition and improved public health by ensuring that high-quality, nutrient-dense foods remain available for consumption, especially in rural and underserved areas,” Isong said.

 

He stressed the need to address the issues bordering on food security such as post-harvest losses, logistics and Nigeria’s export competitiveness.

 

He said to address this challenge, OTACCWA would be hosting its 7th West Africa Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition, alongside FairTrade Messe’s Agrofood and Plastprintpack exhibition from March 25 to 27th, 2025.

 

“It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the upcoming 7th West Africa Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition. It will be collocated with Nigeria Agrofood & Nigeria plastprintpack.

 

“This premier event serves as a critical platform for advancing discussions on cold chain logistics, food security, and agricultural export competitiveness in Nigeria and the broader West African region.

 

“For Nigeria to expand its agricultural exports and compete on the global stage, it must adhere to international food safety and certification standards.

 

“Cold chain logistics play a crucial role in achieving compliance with HACCP, ISO 22000, Global G.A.P., and other export certification frameworks.

 

“Countries that import Nigerian produce require temperature-controlled logistics to guarantee food safety and traceability.

 

“Without proper cold storage and transport, Nigerian farmers risk rejection of their exports due to spoilage, contamination, or failure to meet stringent quality benchmarks.

 

“By strengthening the cold chain sector, Nigeria can increase its agricultural export earnings, which currently stand at about two billion dollars annually, with the potential to grow to $10 billion in the next five years,” Isong said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAN/Oyenike Oyeniyi