By Danjuma Amodu | April 2, 2026 | Abuja
The Federal Government has called for a radical shift in Nigeria’s approach to food distribution, consumption, and waste management to promote environmental sustainability and circularity.
Minister of Environment, Mr. Balarabe Abbas Lawal, made the appeal at the World Waste Day celebration in Abuja, highlighting the alarming rate of food waste globally, with approximately one-third of all produced food lost or wasted annually.
Nigeria’s food security concerns make waste reduction particularly critical, as poor storage, inefficient supply chains, and unsustainable consumption patterns contribute to significant economic and environmental losses.
“The choices we make today will determine the sustainability of our food systems, the health of our environment, and the wellbeing of our communities,” Lawal said.
Stakeholders urged the government to adopt a circular economy approach, providing incentives for sustainable practices and penalizing non-compliance.
“Tackling food waste strengthens resilience, protects vulnerable populations, and promotes economic growth,” said EU Deputy Ambassador Zissimos Vergos.
The event, supported by the EU Delegation and UNIDO, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing global environmental challenges. UNIDO’s Phibert Johnson noted that food waste is a sign of inefficiency within agro-industrial systems, reducing productivity and competitiveness.
The Federal Government is advancing policies to strengthen waste management systems, promote recycling, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Critics, however, argue that Nigeria’s waste management policies have been inadequate, with insufficient infrastructure and lack of enforcement.
