Stakeholders warn that over 40 million metric tonnes of food wasted yearly due to infrastructural gaps and inconsistent government policies

Nigeria’s logistics sector is facing severe challenges, leading to an estimated annual loss of ₦5 trillion and wastage of more than 40 million metric tonnes of food, according to the President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi. Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday at the 10th Anniversary lecture of City Business News, themed ‘Logistics as the Engine Room of Nigeria’s Economy’, Oyeyemi highlighted how inefficiencies within the supply chain are impacting both the economy and food security nationwide.

Oyeyemi, who is also a former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), explained that persistent issues such as poor infrastructure, inadequate transport facilities, and frequent changes in policy have contributed to rising costs for goods across the country. He stated that logistics failures after harvest are responsible for a financial drain estimated between $2.3 billion and $3.3 billion annually (equivalent to over ₦5 trillion at current exchange rates), with millions of tonnes of agricultural produce lost before reaching consumers.

The CILT president emphasised that these losses are not just financial but also have social consequences, as they contribute to increasing food prices and limit access for vulnerable Nigerians. The situation has become more critical in recent years due to lack of investment in road networks and storage facilities, as well as delays caused by regulatory bottlenecks.

“The financial consequences of these logistics failures are immense. Post-harvest logistics failures result in an estimated annual financial drain… The numerous challenges facing the sector have triggered high cost of products,” Oyeyemi said during his address at the event.

Industry experts and stakeholders present at the lecture called on government to prioritise long-term solutions by investing in transport infrastructure and ensuring consistent policies that support supply chain growth. They warned that unless urgent action is taken, Nigeria’s ability to achieve food security targets may be undermined.

As at now, there has been no official response from government agencies regarding new measures to address these challenges. However, analysts say improving coordination between ministries responsible for agriculture, transport, and trade will be crucial if Nigeria is to reduce food waste and minimise financial losses linked to poor logistics.

Source: https://guardian.ng/business-services/poor-logistics-inconsistent-policies-cause-40m-metric-tonnes-of-foods-n5trn-loss-yearly/

Faith-based group empowers hundreds through hands-on training as white collar job market remains tight

Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Centre has intensified its youth empowerment drive in Agege, Lagos, holding a skills acquisition programme on Tuesday aimed at reducing youth unemployment by equipping students and graduates with practical expertise. The event brought together tertiary-level participants who received training in key areas needed for today’s competitive labour market.

The skills development initiative, which started in 2024, is designed to address the country’s rising unemployment rate by discouraging over-reliance on white collar jobs and promoting entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths. According to Abdulrahman Thabit, Coordinator of Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Centre in Lagos, the programme has already impacted hundreds of beneficiaries who are now building careers with the skills acquired.

“Our target is to raise Abdur Rahman Ibn Awf of this generation. Islamic history will not be complete without mentioning him because he showed us that it is not over until it is over,” Thabit said while addressing participants. He noted that the centre’s approach focuses on both leadership and vocational training as a way to provide lasting solutions to unemployment challenges faced by young people.

The centre emphasised the importance of introducing practical skill acquisition at an early stage, arguing that such exposure will prepare youths for self-reliance and reduce dependence on the shrinking formal job sector. Stakeholders at the event encouraged participants to seize opportunities created by the changing economy and assured them of continued support from Al-Habibiyyah.

As Nigeria continues to record high youth unemployment rates, initiatives like this are seen as critical interventions. The centre plans to expand its programmes across other states, with further training sessions scheduled for later in the year.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/al-habibiyyah-promotes-early-skills-learning-to-address-rising-youth-unemployment/

Event to feature graduation of Peace and Conflict Studies participants as Rotary Governor Akinyele hails milestone for South-West education

Rotary International District 9111 will on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, officially commission the new Rotary Peace Institute building donated to Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. The commissioning, led by District Governor Prince Henry Akinyele, is set to take place on the university campus and will also include the graduation ceremony for Cohort 3 and Cohort 4 participants of the Peace and Conflict Studies Programme under the Faculty of Arts.

The Peace Institute building, a product of collaboration between Rotary District 9111 and OOU, was constructed following a groundbreaking ceremony in September 2025. At that event, stakeholders celebrated the initiative as a major step in Rotary’s mission to promote dialogue and foster peace education in Nigeria’s South-West region.

According to District Governor Prince Henry Akinyele, the commissioning represents the fulfilment of a promise made less than one year ago at the start of construction. “The event represents the fulfillment of a promise made less than a year ago when Rotary District 9111 broke ground for the construction of the Peace Institute Building,” Akinyele stated.

The institute is designed as a centre of excellence for peacebuilding studies, providing training opportunities for students and future leaders who will tackle conflict resolution and security challenges across Nigeria. The university’s Peace and Conflict Studies Programme has continued to attract increased interest amid growing concerns over national security issues.

With the building now completed and ready for use, Rotary officials say they hope it will encourage greater youth engagement in peace initiatives. The graduation ceremony for two cohorts further underlines OOU’s role in producing graduates equipped with practical skills in conflict management. Stakeholders expect that this facility will serve as a model for similar partnerships nationwide.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/rotary-to-commission-peace-institute-building-donated-to-olabisi-onabanjo-varsity/