Wetin dey happen for Naija? As millions of pipo dey hungry, we dey waste food wey fit feed dem. European Union don sound alarm say Naija dey waste about 38 million tonnes of food every year. Na di highest for Africa.
EU Deputy Ambassador Zissimos Vergos talk dis matter for Abuja during International Zero Waste Day commemoration. Him say di scale of di problem dey alarming. Him dey call for urgent action to address am.
Vergos put Naija crisis inside global emergency. Him say nearly one billion tonnes of food waste worldwide for 2022 alone. Food waste dey account for up to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. E dey drive methane pollution well well.
Despite di sobering figures, Vergos acknowledge steps Naija don take. Dem include development of circular economy roadmap and waste management initiatives. Him describe dem as meaningful structural foundations wey better solutions fit build on top.
EU outline three priority interventions wey dem believe go help. First, upgrade rural infrastructure like roads and cold storage facilities to curb post-harvest losses. Second, expand food processing capacity to convert surplus produce into value-added goods. Third, incorporate zero-waste principles into school curriculum to teach pikin dem sustainable habits from early age.
Naija Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, reaffirm federal government commitment to confront di crisis. Him disclose plans to roll out food waste reduction measures across major markets nationwide. Him note say tackling waste go help reduce pollution, preserve natural resources, and strengthen food security.
UNIDO representative Philbert Johnson talk di broader economic stakes. Him warn say inefficient food systems carry far-reaching consequences for financial stability and public well-being. Him stress say wasted food represent wasted water, energy, and human labour. Him say no developing economy fit afford such losses.
Vergos commend Naija efforts to tackle di problem. Him point to initiatives like Circular Economy Roadmap, Interministerial Circular Economy Committee, and development of National Plastic Waste Management Regulation. Him describe dem as structural shifts wey show Naija dey take ownership of food waste challenges.
Di problem no dey mysterious. Viral videos on social media show farmers dey plead for industries to process surplus produce into finished goods. For one clip, farmer dey appeal to government to establish industries wey fit process raw agricultural products. Dem say farmers dey suffer because no buyers for dia produce for market. Dem urgently need companies wey fit process pineapples and reduce waste.
Social media posts also highlight waste at consumer and commercial levels. Chef Amaka tweet say amount of food wasted at Nigerian weddings fit feed entire communities. Dem need to move past prestige and start being intentional. Food na blessing, no bin am.
Bearded Dr Sina share experience at fast-food outlet. Him say around 8 pm, Chicken Republic staff tell am say company policy na to throw all food away.
Naija government dey take steps to curb di growing problem. Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal say initiatives include market-level projects to reduce post-harvest losses and integrating circular economy principles into national policy.
For his keynote address, Minister say food waste threaten environment and waste water, energy, labour, and capital. All dis dey happen as Nigerians continue to face food insecurity. Ministry don launch projects targeting food waste elimination in major markets across di country, particularly post-harvest losses.
Vergos outline lessons from EU to tackle di issue. Invest in rural roads and cold storage. Promote value-added processing of fresh produce. Embed zero-waste education in schools.
UNIDO reaffirm readiness to support Naija through funding, technical cooperation, and solidarity.
Experts warn say without urgent action, Naija food waste crisis go continue to threaten food security, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency across di country.
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