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FG pushes for cold chain infrastructure to boost food security
The Federal Government has affirmed commitment to strengthen cold chain infrastructure to enhance food security and reduce post-harvest losses in Nigeria.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, gave the commitment at the 7th West African Cold Chain Summit and Exhibition (WACCSE 2025) and the 10th Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria exhibition held at the Landmark Conference Centre in Lagos yesterday.
FG pushes for cold chain infrastructure to boost food security
Kyari highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions to tackle climate change, economic uncertainties, and supply chain inefficiencies affecting the country’s agricultural sector.
Declaring the exhibition open, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noted that Nigeria is projected to become Africa’s largest consumer market by 2050.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, said: “This platform is not just an exhibition, it is a catalyst for innovation, technology, and investment in agro-processing, food production, packaging, and plastics.
“Lagos remains a hub for agribusiness, food processing, and manufacturing because of its strategic location, vibrant consumer market, and expanding industrial base.”
He urged all the participants to seize the moment to forge partnerships, innovate solutions, and drive sustainable growth, not just for Lagos but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
In his opening remarks, German Consul General Weert Börner, noted that the number of Nigerians living in food insecurity grew in 2024 to more than 30 million people, adding however, that there are signs of improvement.
“In 2024, Nigeria’s agricultural trade volume was by far the highest since several years. Even more importantly, exports. surpassed imports for the first time in years. Cocoa products, sesame and cashew nuts were the frontrunners in exports.
“Experts are projecting a growth rate for the Nigerian food market of about 10% per year from 2025 to 2030,” he added.
IATA also said air cargo capacity decreased by 0.6 per cent year-on-year, stating that it was the first year-on-year decline since mid-2023.
In its released data for February 2025 global air cargo markets, IATA stated that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres, CTK, declined by 0.1 per cent compared to February 2024 levels.
Commenting on the development, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, said: “February saw a small contraction in air cargo demand, the first year-on-year decline since mid-2023. Much of this is explained by February 2024 being extraordinary—a leap year that was also boosted by Chinese New Year traffic, sea lane closures and a boom in e-commerce.
“Rising trade tensions are, of course, a concern for air cargo. With equity markets already showing their discomfort, we urge governments to focus on dialogue over tariffs.”
Similarly, African airlines saw a 6.7 per cent year-on-year increase in passenger demand growth, IATA added that capacity was up 4.0 per cent year-on-year.
“Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers, RPK, was up 2.6 per cent compared to February 2024. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres, ASK, was up 2.0 per cent year-on-year.
“International demand rose 5.6 per cent compared to February 2024. Capacity was up 4.5 per cent year-on-year, and the load factor was 80.2 per cent.
“Domestic demand fell 1.9 per cent compared to February 2024. Capacity was down 1.7% year-on-year,” IATA said.
ABAKALIKI – Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, has denied allegations that he sponsored or directed any protest against the management of Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Speaking during a meeting with traditional rulers and community members, Umahi, who is the founder of the hospital, described the claims as false and misleading.
“I didn’t direct any protest. The President General asked me in Abakaliki, ‘Shall we do a protest?’ and I said no, don’t,” Umahi stated.
The Minister emphasized the need to support the hospital’s leadership, urging the community to avoid actions that could undermine its growth.
“Let’s hand over the hospital to her; she is our daughter. I’m sure you all heard me very well. If we have our children working in the hospital writing petitions, it is against the institution itself.
“Do not write petitions against anyone; doing so only plays into the hands of our enemies—those who do not want the hospital to thrive.”
Umahi urged the community to allow the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor Uzoma Agwu, to complete her tenure, stressing the importance of preserving the hospital’s integrity.
He highlighted the hospital’s critical role, particularly in providing cancer treatment to patients from across the region, not just in Ohaozara.
“This hospital is bigger than individuals. It serves thousands of people, and its success is crucial. Instead of causing distractions, let’s support it with prayers for its continued growth.”
Umahi also revealed that Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, has stepped in to resolve the crisis.
“The governor has graciously agreed to intervene. Let’s allow him to investigate and address the issues at hand.”
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that the medicine market at Bridgehead, Onitsha, was reopened on March 7 following a shutdown for comprehensive sanitisation.
Dr Martins Iluyomade, the NAFDAC Director for the Southeast, confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
NAN reports that the agency had closed the Ogbo Ogwu and three adjoining markets from February 10 to March 7 to sanitise the medicine distribution system.
Iluyomade explained that there were administrative conditions every shop owner had to fulfil before their shops, previously sealed during the operation, could be unsealed.
He said that the process was put in place to prevent the recurrence of the issues that led to the market’s closure.
He highlighted that pharmaceuticals were highly regulated due to their impact on public health and national security, adding that NAFDAC’s mandate, under the NAFDAC Act, was to regulate and control the sales and distribution of drugs.
Iluyomade also clarified that the market had not been closed, contrary to reports from some media outlets.
He said that the process underway was focused on documenting and regularising the shops, ensuring that no shop would be unsealed without completing the necessary clearance procedures.
He said NAFDAC had set up a special desk to facilitate this process efficiently.
Iluyomade thanked the market leadership and the Anambra state government for their cooperation and understanding.
He further stated that the agency was not aware of any internal conflicts within the market.(NAN)
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