Nigerians could face shortages of rice, tomatoes and other staple foods within the next three months unless urgent steps are taken to strengthen food production and distribution, the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) has warned.
The warning came from OTACCWA President Alexander Isong, who is also the Nigeria country director of the World Agriculture Forum, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
Isong said rice production is expected to fall by about six per cent to 8.3 million tonnes, while the area under cultivation could shrink by seven per cent to 4.2 million hectares.
“Rice is the big one.
"Production is projected to drop six per cent to 8.3 million tonnes.
"The area planted is down seven per cent to 4.2 million hectares.
"The United States Department of Agriculture confirms a five per cent decrease year-on-year.
"Tomatoes are another headache,” he said.
He warned that tomato supplies could remain tight until the late harvest expected in October, while maize, sorghum and millet may also come under pressure because of reduced planting in 2025.
According to Isong, rising transport costs are making the situation worse.
“Moving a tonne of grain from Kano to Lagos now costs ₦70,000.
"It used to be ₦45,000.
On some routes, transport fares have doubled or even tripled.
"Energy is another killer,” he said.
He blamed the looming shortages on insecurity, supply chain disruptions, high post-harvest losses and inadequate storage facilities.
He noted that thousands of farmers have been displaced from major food-producing communities, reducing agricultural output.
“Insecurity in major food-producing areas must be addressed.
"Farmers cannot produce enough food if they are unable to access their farms safely,” Isong said.
He added, “Transport now accounts for a significant share of food prices.
"Improving rural roads, expanding rail freight for agricultural produce, and supporting more efficient logistics will help reduce the cost of moving food from farms to urban markets.”
Although Nigeria recorded stronger agricultural GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026, Isong said the gains had not translated into better food availability because production increases were being offset by post-harvest losses and insecurity.
“To avert shortages of rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions and other staple foods over the next three months, Nigeria needs coordinated action from the federal government, state governments, the private sector and development partners.
"This is not a problem that can be solved by one institution alone,” he said.
He also urged governments to improve seed and fertiliser distribution, expand irrigation, invest in cold-chain infrastructure and reduce the estimated 30 to 50 per cent of perishable food lost before it reaches consumers.
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