Nigeria’s food insecurity challenge is not simply a result of insufficient food production; it is also a consequence of how much food is lost before it ever reaches the table. While millions of Nigerians struggle to afford nutritious meals, a significant share of agricultural produce is lost during harvesting, storage, transportation, and distribution. Addressing this paradox requires policy action that treats food waste as both an economic and food security issue.

First, the government must invest in post-harvest infrastructure. Expanding access to cold-chain facilities, rural storage systems, and efficient transport networks would significantly reduce losses for farmers while improving food availability in urban markets.

Second, Nigeria needs a national food recovery policy that encourages businesses, farmers, manufacturers, retailers, and hospitality operators to donate safe surplus food to accredited food banks like the Lagos Food Bank Initiative, instead of allowing it to go to waste. Tax incentives and legal protections for food donors would help foster a stronger culture of food redistribution.

Third, stronger public-private partnerships are essential. The government cannot solve food waste alone. Collaborating with food banks like LFBI, agricultural organisations, development partners, and the private sector can strengthen food rescue systems, improve logistics, and expand access to nutritious food for vulnerable communities.

Finally, public awareness must become a national priority. Educating households, schools, businesses, and institutions on responsible food consumption and waste reduction can drive lasting behavioural change while promoting environmental sustainability.

Reducing food waste is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to improve food security, support farmers, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build more resilient food systems. The food Nigeria already produces has the potential to nourish its rapidly growing population and more, if we develop the policies and partnerships to ensure it reaches the people who need it most.

Ending hunger is not only about producing more food; it is about wasting less, recovering more, and ensuring that every edible meal has the opportunity to feed a life.