While Nigerians are in pains for the rising cost of food items, there are small ways that the situation could have been reduced, but that remedy is not getting any attention. As a result, farm produce is not getting maximised. 

At the 11th PROPAK West Africa 2024: Smart Packaging Conference in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu shared worrying news.

He said that 40% of food items produced in Nigeria were lost.

Governor Sanwo-Olu claims that this loss happens before the food items reache the market. The reason is poor processing, packaging, and storage.

The governor stressed the need for better solutions to protect the farm produce and food supply.

Also, he urged food industry players to adopt eco-friendly practices to protect the environment.

For him, one very important thing is making sure that they use biodegradable and compostable packaging materials in food processing.

According to him, these materials are vital for reducing waste and ensuring a sustainable future for the environment.

Sanwo-Olu: Unlocking Nigeria Food Security 

The governor spoke on the theme; “Unlocking Nigeria Food Security: implementation of Smart Packaging to Reduce Waste”.

Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, represented him.

Ambrose-Medebem delivered the governor’s message to the attendees.

During the event, he highlighted the crucial role food packaging and processing industries play in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

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He explained that these industries were the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, forming a key part of its industrial and manufacturing sectors.

These sectors also support important areas such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and fast-moving consumer goods.

Furthermore, Sanwo-Olu stressed that the growth of these industries was essential for Nigeria to continue developing and competing in the global market.

The governor also underlined the need for effective food security solutions.

He stated that packaging for food security was a national priority, especially as Nigeria’s population continued to grow.

Although Nigeria is rich in agricultural resources, the country faces significant post-harvest (farm produce) losses.

These losses result from poor processing, packaging, and storage methods.

He revealed that nearly 40% of Nigeria’s food got lost before reaching consumers, highlighting a serious issue.

Sanwo-Olu called on stakeholders to take immediate action.

He urged them to embrace smart packaging technologies that could reduce waste and ensure food security.

In addition, he encouraged cross-sector collaboration to manage plastic use responsibly.

Also, he called for driving innovation that benefits both the environment and the economy.