Nigeria loses an estimated $9–$10 billion annually to post-harvest losses, a growing crisis that threatens national food security and weakens the agricultural economy.
Chief Executive Officer of Davidorlah Nigeria Limited, Mr. Segun Alabi, raised the alarm during a press conference at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.
Alabi noted that between 30 and 50 percent of Nigeria’s yearly agricultural output is wasted due to poor handling, inadequate storage, weak transportation systems, and limited processing capacity.
He warned that the scale of these losses continues to undermine farmers’ livelihoods, shrink food availability, and cripple export opportunities.
The agritech CEO said his company, known for pineapple farming, concentrate production, and waste-to-wealth innovations, is ready to support national efforts aimed at curbing the wastage.
He added that Davidorlah Farms remains the largest pineapple farm estate in West Africa and is strategically positioned to contribute to sustainable solutions.
Alabi outlined key interventions such as investment in cold-chain systems, silos, modern storage centres, and local processing hubs to extend the shelf life of perishable produce.
He stressed the need to rehabilitate rural roads, strengthen logistics, and train farmers on improved harvesting and handling practices to reduce losses from the source.
He urged lawmakers to champion policies that promote agro-processing, reward waste-reduction initiatives, and encourage climate-friendly technologies like solar dryers and mobile processing units.
According to him, cutting post-harvest losses would increase farmers’ incomes, boost exports, enhance food security, create thousands of jobs, and reduce environmental pressure through recycling and composting.