By Faridat Salifu
The Federal Government has unveiled a new initiative to curb Nigeria’s staggering post-harvest losses, estimated at more than N3.5 trillion annually.
The programme, known as the Nigeria Post-harvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST), was launched on Monday during the Nigeria Legacy Session at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the scheme is designed to create a resilient and inclusive system that tackles inefficiencies in storage and handling, improves farmer incomes, and strengthens food sovereignty.
According to him, the strategy will stabilise food prices, enhance access and affordability, and reduce waste through technologies such as household storage units, community-level warehouses, cold rooms, and strategic national silos to be managed under public–private partnerships.
Kyari explained that NiPHaST would also encourage private sector investment across the agricultural value chain from processing and preservation to packaging and marketing.
He added that the initiative is expected to expand storage infrastructure, create jobs, boost exports, and support Nigeria’s goal of food import substitution.
“This is not just produce going to waste; it is opportunity lost and livelihoods destroyed,” the minister said. “Transforming post-harvest systems will secure farmer livelihoods, revive agribusiness confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading food supplier in West Africa.”
The government expressed optimism that NiPHaST would unlock new investment worth billions, promote climate-smart storage such as metal silos and modern cold rooms, and build confidence in domestic food production.
