The Federal Government has unveiled the Nigeria Postharvest Systems Transformation Programme (NiPHaST), a new initiative designed to build a resilient, efficient, and inclusive system for handling and storing farm produce.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, during the Nigeria Legacy Programme at the Africa Food Systems Forum in Dakar, Senegal, according to a statement by Ezeaja Ikemefuna, Head of Information at the ministry.

Kyari said NiPHaST would not only curb massive postharvest losses but also improve farmer incomes, enhance nutrition, and drive food sovereignty in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The programme will focus on household storage technologies, community warehouses, cold rooms, and national silos managed through public–private partnerships. It will also stimulate private investment in preservation, processing, packaging, and climate-smart facilities.

Highlighting the urgency, Kyari revealed that Nigeria loses about ₦3.5 trillion annually to postharvest inefficiencies. “This is not just produce going to waste. It is opportunity lost and livelihoods destroyed,” he said.

He urged stronger global partnerships, noting that modern postharvest systems could secure farmer livelihoods, restore agribusiness confidence, and position Nigeria as a leading food supplier in West Africa.