By Faridat Salifu
The United States of America is ‘renewing its focus’ on soyabean imports into Nigeria, aimed at addressing protein deficiency in the country.
The initiative was highlighted at the “Nigeria: NOW” conference held in Lagos, hosted by the US Soybean Export Council (USSEC).
The event brought together poultry producers, agribusiness leaders, nutrition experts, and top government officials from both countries.
Acting US Consul General in Lagos, JoEllen Gorg, described the conference as a milestone in creating mutual prosperity and promoting food security.
She said the US Soy industry is supporting Nigeria with innovation and best practices to build a resilient agricultural sector and strengthen local protein supply chains.
Gorg added that the US Mission would continue supporting agribusiness partnerships and training in sustainable farming and feed formulation.
According to the US consulate, Nigeria’s average daily protein intake is 45.4 grams per person—below both the global average of 64 grams and the FAO’s 60-gram benchmark.
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With Nigeria’s population exceeding 236 million, the country’s protein shortfall is increasingly urgent, especially in the animal feed sector.
USDA estimates show that Nigeria produced only 1.15 million metric tons of soybeans in 2023/24, far below domestic demand.
To help fill the gap, Nigeria resumed imports of US soybeans in 2024, bringing in 62,100 metric tons the first such imports in six years.
USSEC CEO Jim Sutter said the US Soy industry remains a reliable trade partner and is committed to supporting Nigeria’s food security goals.
Also speaking at the event was US soybean farmer and United Soybean Board Director Robert Alpers, who emphasized sustainable production practices.
“I’m proud to help feed the world using fewer resources while reducing our environmental footprint,” Alpers said.
Prominent Nigerian attendees included former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya.
Their participation, according to the US Consulate, underscores Nigeria’s strong commitment to closing the country’s nutrition gap through global partnerships.
The conference ended with a shared call to deepen trade, knowledge exchange, and trust-building between both countries to address Nigeria’s protein crisis.
