- FG Unveils Postharvest Systems Transformation Plan
- Kyari explained that the NiPHaST programme would stabilise food prices
- He emphasised that the programme would unlock private sector investments
In line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at eradicating poverty, achieving food and nutrition security, driving economic growth, and reducing postharvest losses, the Federal Government has launched the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the initiative is designed to build a resilient, efficient, and inclusive postharvest handling and storage system that reduces waste, increases incomes, and strengthens food sovereignty.
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Speaking at the Nigeria Legacy Program, organised by the Africa Food Systems Forum in partnership with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in Dakar, Senegal, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, explained that the NiPHaST programme would stabilise food prices, ensure steady availability and affordability of staple foods, improve storage facilities, and support national food sovereignty.
According to him, the programme will prioritise household storage technologies, community warehouses, cold rooms, and strategic national silos managed through public–private partnerships.
Kyari added that the initiative would boost investment across the storage value chain in areas such as processing, preservation, packaging, marketing, climate-smart metal silos, and cold storage facilities.
He emphasised that the programme would unlock private sector investments, strengthen market confidence, and expand storage infrastructure nationwide.
It is also expected to enhance agricultural exports, improve nutrition, create jobs, increase farmers’ income, and promote food import substitution.
Highlighting the urgency, the Minister revealed that Nigeria loses an estimated N3.5 trillion annually due to postharvest inefficiencies, which mainly affect smallholder farmers. “This is not just produce going to waste. It is opportunity lost and livelihoods destroyed,” he noted.
Kyari called for stronger international collaboration, stressing that transforming postharvest systems would secure farmer livelihoods, revive agribusiness confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading food supplier in West Africa.
Present at the event were Jigawa State Governor Umar A. Namadi, Minister of Livestock Development Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, and President of the Nigeria Agribusiness Group, Arc. Kabir Ibrahim, among others.
