Nigeria recorded between N3.5 trillion and N5 trillion in post-harvest losses in 2025, according to the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA).
OTACCWA President Alexander Isong disclosed this in Lagos, attributing the losses to inefficiencies across major agricultural value chains and inadequate cold chain infrastructure.
He warned that the economic impact extends beyond agriculture and affects overall national productivity.
Isong said Nigeria lost an estimated 30 to 40 million metric tonnes of food across key value chains in 2025.
The losses were concentrated in tomatoes, vegetables, fruits, dairy, meat, fish and root crops due to weak cold chain systems.
“In monetary terms, this translates to approximately N3.5 trillion to N5 trillion in economic losses,” he said.
ALSO READ
He explained that farmers had already invested in land preparation, seedlings, fertiliser, and labour before the produce was lost.
“Post-harvest loss is not just an agricultural problem; it is an infrastructure and economic challenge,” Isong added.
Nairametrics previously reported that farmers across Nigeria, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions, had warned of worsening conditions.
Farmers cited escalating production costs, insecurity, and massive post-harvest losses as factors pushing many to consider abandoning agriculture.
The Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that about 34.7 million Nigerians could face severe food insecurity during the next lean season from June to August 2026.
The FAO warned that timely interventions are critical to averting a worsening crisis.
The latest disclosure adds to mounting evidence that without urgent investment in cold chain infrastructure, Nigeria’s food security challenges could intensify.
