Nigeria Loses Up to $10bn Annually to Post-Harvest Waste — Davidorlah CEO
Nigeria loses an estimated $9 to $10 billion yearly to post harvest waste, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO of Davidorlah Nigeria Limited, Mr. Segun Alabi has said.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja Monday, Alabi said the losses, caused by poor harvesting, weak storage systems and inadequate processing, continue to weaken food security and farmer incomes.
Davidorlah Nigeria Limited, which operates what it describes as the largest pineapple farm estate in West Africa, said Nigeria wastes up to 50% of its annual agricultural output.
“These are losses the nation can no longer afford,” Alabi said, calling for improved storage facilities, better rural roads, farmer training and the adoption of modern preservation technologies.
Alabi said reducing waste would boost food availability, expand exports and increase farmer earnings, adding that waste to wealth ventures, such as converting residue into briquettes and organic fertilizers can create jobs and support environmental sustainability.
He noted that Davidorlah Nigeria Limited is already deploying technology to convert pineapple waste into briquettes, a clean energy alternative that can replace charcoal and firewood.
According to him, such innovations can cut deforestation, lower carbon emissions and provide affordable energy sources for small industries and households.
Alabi said the company’s upcoming pineapple concentrate plant will rely partly on bioenergy generated from agricultural residue, demonstrating the potential of circular agriculture in Nigeria.
He urged the government to partner with agritech companies, saying collaboration across agriculture, environment and biotechnology ministries is crucial to reducing losses and unlocking new economic value.
