Stakeholders the agric-business value chains have launched the Nigerian food systems transformation alliance to drive sustainable agriculture and food security in the country.
This private- sector-led initiative is aimed at revolutionising local sourcing, strengthen agrifood supply chains, and promote strategic investments to support the transformation of Nigeria’s food systems.
The alliance brings together leading food manufacturing companies, financial institutions, and supply chain actors to foster collaboration, drive sustainability, and create a more competitive and resilient food industry in Nigeria.
The launch on March 19, in Lagos, convened array of participants, including key policymakers, industry leaders, financial partners, and agrifood supply chain actors, to discuss challenges and opportunities for transforming Nigeria’s food systems.
Speaking at the event, Michel Deelen, Netherlands consul-general, Lagos, emphasised the importance of strengthening local agrifood supply chains.
On his part, Kebba Colley, global director of value of chain transformation, IDH, the firm that hosted the event, observed that Africa needed not just large food processing but also qualitative food production to feed its large population. He encouraged the alliance members to work together to create Fortune Global 500 companies capable of employing more people, which the continent presently lacks.
Eniola Fabusoro, IDH country director for Nigeria, said that the alliance has the potential to unlock multi-million investments in Nigeria.
“While we have not quantified it yet, increasing production and value addition can reduce importation, for instance in wheat, by substituting it with cassava by about 10 per cent. That is over a N200m investment,” Fabusoro noted.
Also, Omoboyede Olusanya, group managing director, Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), represented by Sadiq Usman,
group director, strategy and stakeholder relations, FMN, delivered a keynote address, titled, “localising sourcing and globalising Nigeria’s food manufacturing companies: FMN experience, challenges, and learnings.
The keynote address set the stage for discussions on the transformative role of private sector engagement in Nigeria’s food systems.
A panel discussion during the launch featured Mohammed Ibrahim, executive secretary, NADF; Yemisi Iranloye, CEO, Psaltry International Limited; Yosola Onanuga, group head, corporate responsibility & sustainability, TGI Group, and Adeoluwa Adeshola, managing director, Arzikin Noma.
The discussion which centred on the “Imperatives for localising sourcing and globalising Nigeria’s food manufacturing companies”, provided insights into key strategies for enhancing local food production and investment.
Marion Moon, from the Presidential Food Systems Coordination Unit, delivered a goodwill message, reinforcing the the government’s commitment to supporting private-sector-led initiatives that drive food security and economic growth.
The formal launch of the alliance was marked by the signing of a covenant, signifying a commitment from stakeholders to collaborate on sustainable and resilient food system development.
