The World Bank released a report in May 2025 stating that strategic investments in logistics and supply chain infrastructure could reverse Africa’s food insecurity trend, which affects over 280 million people, including 20 million in Nigeria.
The report, presented at a food security summit in Addis Ababa, emphasized that inefficiencies in transportation, storage, and distribution contribute significantly to food losses, estimated at 30% of agricultural output annually. Improved logistics, including better roads, cold storage, and digital tracking systems, could enhance food access and affordability.
The report highlighted Nigeria’s challenges, where poor rural road networks and inadequate warehousing lead to post-harvest losses of crops like maize and tomatoes. It recommended public-private partnerships to fund logistics hubs, citing Kenya’s success with mobile-based supply chain platforms. The World Bank also called for policy reforms to reduce trade barriers, such as high tariffs and border delays, which hinder regional food distribution. In Nigeria, the report praised initiatives like the Lagos Rice Mill but urged scaling up such projects to meet demand.
The findings have resonated with African leaders, with Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture pledging to prioritize logistics in the 2025 budget. However, challenges like funding constraints and insecurity in farming regions pose obstacles. Farmers’ associations have welcomed the report but demand greater government support for mechanization and irrigation. The World Bank’s recommendations align with Nigeria’s food security goals, but implementation will require coordinated efforts to address structural bottlenecks and ensure sustainable outcomes.