In Nigeria, food waste and post-harvest losses (PHL) form a major part of our solid waste challenge. We lose an estimated 30 to 40 million metric tonnes of food annually, resulting in economic losses of between ₦3.5 trillion and ₦5 trillion. Household waste alone accounts for a significant share of this, estimated at 60%.

In food-producing regions like Benue, Kaduna, and Jos, large quantities of harvest are lost due to poor storage and limited facilities.

This year’s focus is on food waste, a timely and critical theme. Food waste is both an environmental and a humanitarian crisis. While millions face hunger, perfectly good food is lost across the value chain.

The day highlights the global waste crisis and promotes sustainable consumption and production practices to support a circular economy.

Key messages from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):

• Food waste contributes significantly to climate change through methane emissions from decomposing organic waste in dumps and landfills.
• A large portion of food waste occurs at the household level.
• The day encourages governments, businesses, communities, and individuals to value food, reduce waste, and adopt zero-waste practices.

Food waste contributes up to 14% of global methane emissions by releasing potent greenhouse gases when it ends up in landfills. It also wastes valuable resources such as land, water, and energy, even as about 673 million people worldwide face hunger.

Tackling food waste is one of the most cost-effective and achievable climate solutions. It aligns with zero-waste approaches that prioritise prevention, resource efficiency, and systemic change.

Promoting zero-waste initiatives through this international day supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly:

• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

These goals address waste reduction and sustainable resource use. Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0) also recognise food waste as a critical climate action area, linked to emissions reduction, food security, and sustainable development.

At both household and commercial levels, we all have a role to play by reducing, composting, and managing waste effectively. The government can lead by improving waste measurement systems and integrating food waste reduction into climate, biodiversity, and circular economy policies.

Zero waste starts on your plate and in our kitchens, markets, and communities.

It is our collective responsibility to reduce emissions, save money, and build a more sustainable Nigeria.

Happy International Day of Zero Waste.