The Nigerian Government plans to revitalise the nation’s Silo Concession Programme to reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food storage systems, and achieve food sovereignty.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative is designed to address Nigeria’s staggering annual post-harvest losses, estimated at $10 billion.
He made this known during a high-level meeting with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), led by its Director-General, Nigerian Government
Kyari stressed the urgent need to upgrade silo storage facilities, which are central to the country’s food security strategy as they directly tackle wastage and ensure a steady food supply.
The Minister disclosed that of the 17 silo complexes concessioned to five private companies, only one is currently operational. Several concessionaires have failed to maintain their facilities, with some locations, including those in Ikorodu and Ogoja, suffering vandalism and collapsed perimeter fencing. He added that many concessionaires have also defaulted on payment obligations.
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To address these challenges, Kyari said the Ministry will work closely with the ICRC to strengthen oversight, enforce compliance, and ensure only competent operators manage silo facilities. According to him, this move aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agricultural transformation agenda, which prioritises food and nutrition security.
Dr Ewalefoh, on his part, stressed that only private companies with genuine operational needs for silos should retain their concessions, urging the government to reclaim abandoned facilities. He also noted that some concessionaires had failed to remit the required funds to the government.
The revitalised programme is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s food storage ecosystem, reduce wastage, and support economic growth by improving agricultural efficiency.
