By Atoyebi Nike
Nigeria records $10 billion in post-harvest losses every year due to poor storage, weak infrastructure, limited processing capacity, and climate change impacts, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has disclosed.
Speaking on Monday, September 15, 2025, during the inauguration of the Green Legacy Rural Community Agriculture and Infrastructure Network (G.R.A.I.N) Pulse Centre in Kangire community, Birnin-Kudu LGA, Jigawa State, the Minister said the challenge undermines the country’s food security and economic growth.
Kyari noted that agriculture contributes about 24% of Nigeria’s GDP, with smallholder farmers producing nearly 70% of the nation’s food supply. He stressed the need to equip farmers with modern tools, technology, and market access to fully unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to prioritising agriculture as central to national transformation, while describing private-sector-driven initiatives like the G.R.A.I.N Pulse Centre as critical to reducing post-harvest losses.
The facility, he explained, will serve as an integrated hub for agriculture, infrastructure, and rural development, covering the entire value chain. It will also provide export-ready services and will be replicated in communities across the country.
Also speaking, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, commended the initiative, saying it demonstrates the value of public-private partnerships in advancing development. Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa described the centre as a transformative model for rural livelihoods, highlighting its solar-powered and digitally connected facilities.
Birnin-Kudu Council Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Uba, pledged local support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting Jigawa’s strong focus on agriculture and digitalisation.
