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By Tracy Moses
Davidorlah Nigeria Limited, a leading agritech company known for its expansive pineapple plantations and fruit concentrate production, has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s annual loss of up to $10 billion due to post-harvest wastage. The firm warns that the crisis is undermining food security and weakening the nation’s economic potential.
Speaking to journalists at the National Assembly on Monday, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Segun Alabi, described the level of loss across the agricultural value chain as “extremely disturbing,” particularly for a country heavily dependent on farming for livelihoods and national growth. Through its subsidiary, Dvidorlah Farms, the largest pineapple farm estate in West Africa, the company is implementing initiatives aimed at converting agricultural waste into economic value while promoting sustainable farming practices.
Huge Losses Across the Agricultural Value Chain, Alabi noted that the quantity of food Nigeria produces is far greater than what reaches consumers.
“Every year, Nigeria loses between 30 and 50 percent of its total agricultural output. For a nation with fertile land and a hardworking farming population, such levels of waste are unacceptable. These losses cost the country between $9 billion and $10 billion annually, particularly affecting perishables such as fruits, vegetables, and grains.”
He warned that the consequences of this waste are severe. “Farmers lose income, food prices remain unstable, and the economy forfeits valuable resources. If urgent steps are not taken, Nigeria will continue to grapple with food inflation, declining export earnings, and deepening poverty in rural areas.”
Modern Infrastructure and Training as Solutions
One key solution, Alabi suggested, is investment in modern storage and processing infrastructure. “Cold storage facilities, silos, and decentralized processing hubs can drastically reduce post-harvest spoilage,” he said. He also highlighted the challenges posed by poor rural transport networks, noting that bad roads often prevent fresh produce from reaching markets in time.
Alabi emphasized the importance of training farmers in proper handling techniques.
“Much of the waste occurs because farmers lack essential knowledge. With proper education on harvesting, sorting, and storage, a significant portion of the current losses can be prevented.”
He added that technology-driven solutions could be transformative. “Solar-powered dryers, mobile processing units, and cost-effective preservation methods can be game-changers, especially for smallholder farmers.”
Call for Government Support and Private Investment
Alabi urged policymakers to create an enabling environment for private-sector investment in agro-processing. “Policies that encourage investment are crucial. When investors have confidence in the system, the waste-to-wealth sector will flourish.”
Reducing post-harvest waste, he noted, would have immediate economic benefits. “When more produce reaches the market, farmers earn better incomes, and Nigeria’s capacity for agro-exports improves. This will strengthen agriculture’s contribution to GDP and help stabilize food prices nationwide.”
Job Creation and Empowerment Opportunities
Beyond economic gains, Alabi highlighted the potential for massive job creation, “Thousands of jobs can be created in logistics, storage management, processing, equipment manufacturing, and extension services. These opportunities can significantly empower young people and women in rural communities.”
Environmental and Industrial Benefits
From an environmental standpoint, he stressed that reducing food waste is critical for sustainability. “Cutting down food loss conserves land and water and reduces emissions from decomposing organic matter. Composting and converting waste into organic fertilizers can restore soil nutrients and support healthier ecosystems.”
Alabi also pointed to emerging industries that can be developed from agricultural by-products. “From bioenergy to biodegradable materials and organic fertilizers, the possibilities are immense. With an innovative mindset, agricultural waste can form the foundation for new industries.”
“Nigeria cannot afford to keep losing billions every year. Through collaboration, improved systems, and targeted investments, what is considered waste today can become a major driver of national prosperity. We urge government, industry leaders, and citizens to prioritize innovation and work together to build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.”