Nigeria Loses Over $10 Billion Annually to Poor Storage, Says Agriculture Minister

Nigeria is losing more than $10 billion each year due to inadequate storage infrastructure, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari. Speaking at the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, the Minister said most of the country’s silos remain idle, forcing farmers to rely on traditional preservation methods.

He disclosed that only three of the 17 government-concessioned silos are functional, calling for new investment in rural storage facilities to boost farmers’ incomes. The Minister said the government is reviewing existing concessions to attract capable private operators.

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At the same forum, Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi urged authorities to end large-scale food importation, warning it is crippling local producers. He called for consistent agricultural policies and stronger private-sector participation to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems and reduce poverty in northern communities.