Experts seek solution to Nigeria’s N3.5trn post-harvest losses

…Fairtrade Messe hosts 100 exhibitors in agrofood conference

Experts in the food, packaging and pharmaceutical industries are seeking lasting solution to tackle Nigeria’s N3.5 trillion post-harvest losses.

The experts noted that the upcoming agro-food and plastprintpack conference organised by Fairtrade Messe, presents an opportunity for players across the various value chains to support the country in reducing its huge post-harvest losses.

Alexander Isong, president of OTACCWA, a partner of Fairtrade Messe, explained that cold chain systems are integral to preventing spoilage, reducing microbial contamination, and extending the shelf life of perishable goods.

Read also: How Nigeria can reduce N3.5trn post-harvest losses

“For Nigeria to expand its agricultural exports and compete on the global stage, it must adhere to international food safety and certification standards,” he said in a recent press briefing.

Isong explained that infrastructure is not just about preservation but nutrition, food safety, and national food security.

He noted that with Nigeria’s post-harvest losses reaching an estimated 40 percent annually, valued at over N3.5 trillion, the need for a reliable cold chain system has never been more pressing.

He said the conference, which will involve exhibitions of the latest cold-chain machines, provides access to tech that can help reduce food loss and wastage amid production shortfall.

The 10th edition of the annual event is scheduled to be held between 25th to 27th of March 2025 at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to Fairtrade Masse, the event will bring together about 100 exhibitors to showcase different packaged solutions to Nigerians.

Freyja Detjen, senior project manager of Fairtrade Masse at a press briefing in Lagos, Thursday, said the show would feature active involvement of key ministries of the Nigerian government at both the federal and state levels.

“Reflecting the partnership between Nigeria and Germany, this designation highlights German expertise in these sectors and provides opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and business development between German and Nigerian stakeholders,” she said.

According to her, the exhibition will include individuals from China, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

The event will also feature a three-day top-level conference, featuring over 20 sessions and more than 70 speakers in a 180-seat conference room.

“For special topics on banking and finance, key highlights will include keynote speakers and panel discussions, as well as a dedicated exhibition area for financial institutions and investment pitch competitions,” she added.

Detjen said that following the fruitful collaboration since the 2021 event, fairtrade & the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) will co-organise the seventh West African Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition (WACCSE) by OTACCWA alongside agrofood & plastprintpack Nigeria 2025.

Read also: Tomato farmers decry impact of post-harvest loss, call for FG intervention

“With investments in food & packaging technology amounting to €304 million in 2023, Nigeria stands as Africa’s second-largest investor, trailing only South Africa with €398 million and leading Egypt with €281 million,” she stated.

“Nigeria’s food production has witnessed a remarkable surge of 39.6 percent in recent years, from €26 billion in 2016 to €36.3 billion in 2020, projected to rise by 48 percent between 2021 and 2024, from €42.3 billion to €62.6 billion,” Detjen said.

According to her, Africa’s most populous nation is the second largest investor in plastics technology in Africa with £143 million in 2022, with an annual growth rate of 17.6 percent between 2016 and 2022.

“Despite significant investments in local food production, Nigeria’s food imports totalled $6.1 billion in 2023 (WTO), positioning the nation as one of Africa’s foremost food importers,” she added.