The United States and Nigeria have strengthened their collaboration to address Nigeria’s growing protein deficiency through enhanced agricultural trade, with a focus on US soybean exports. The partnership was highlighted at the “Nigeria: NOW” conference hosted in Lagos by the US Soybean Export Council, which brought together stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to explore solutions to the country’s protein gap.
Acting US Consul General, Lagos, JoEllen Gorg, described the event as a pivotal milestone in creating a pathway for mutual prosperity and shared economic success. By addressing Nigeria’s protein gap, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices, the US soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.
The US Mission in Nigeria is committed to supporting efforts to link US agribusinesses with local firms. This partnership is crucial in helping export-ready US companies build business relationships with Nigerian agribusinesses, training Nigerians in new agricultural practices, and promoting the use of US soy in Nigeria’s feed and food industries.
The conference was attended by prominent Nigerian stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture & Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya. Their participation underscored the importance of the US-Nigeria collaboration in bridging the country’s nutritional deficits.
According to nutrition data, Nigeria’s average protein consumption is just 45.4 grams per person per day, well below the global average of 64 grams and the FAO’s recommended 60 grams. The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service estimates Nigeria’s 2023/24 soybean production at 1.15 million metric tons, far short of domestic demand, especially for animal feed. To bridge this gap, Nigeria resumed imports of US soybeans in 2024, bringing in 62,100 metric tons after a six-year hiatus.
Stakeholders at the conference described this move as a promising sign of future growth in agricultural trade. The Chief Executive Officer of USSEC, Jim Sutter, stressed the importance of trade to both economies, stating that US Soy is at the forefront of collaborating with its partners as a reliable supplier.
A generational US Soy farmer and United Soybean Board Director, Robert Alpers, expressed pride in playing a role in helping to feed the world sustainably. As US Soy farmers, they are committed to ensuring they produce more using fewer resources and reducing their environmental footprint.
The conference highlighted the potential of targeted trade initiatives, knowledge exchange, and trust-building between the two countries to ensure food security and help Nigeria meet its nutritional needs. The partnership between the US and Nigeria is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of millions of Nigerians, improving food security and promoting economic stability.
