The President, Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, OTACCWA, Alexander Isong, says Nigerians may face rice, tomato and staple food shortages within three months.
Mr Isong, also the Country Director, Nigeria World Agriculture Forum, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Lagos.
He said the projected shortages could worsen food inflation and further strain households already struggling with rising food prices across the country.
According to him, rice production is projected to decline by six per cent to about 8.3 million tonnes, while cultivated land may be reduced by seven per cent.
“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 said lower production and reduced planting would significantly reduce food availability in major markets nationwide.
Mr Isong said tomato shortage could persist until the late harvest season expected in October.
He added that maize, sorghum and millet could also face supply pressure because of reduced planting recorded in 2025.
“Moving a tonne of grain from Kano to Lagos now costs N70,000. It used to be N45,000. On some routes, transport fares have doubled or even tripled. Energy is another killer,” Isong said.
He said onions and peppers were already experiencing limited supply in major producing areas, leading to sudden increases in prices.
The OTACCWA president said Nigeria would continue depending heavily on wheat imports, with about 7.2 million tonnes expected to be imported.
He blamed insecurity, declining production, supply chain disruptions and inadequate storage infrastructure for the growing food supply challenges.
According to him, thousands of farmers have been displaced in northern Nigeria, disrupting farming activities and 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.
“Strengthening security in key agricultural belts, particularly in Northern Nigeria, is essential to restoring production and stabilising food supplies.
“Transportation and logistics costs must be reduced.
“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,” he added.
He said stronger agriculture Gross Domestic Product growth recorded in the first quarter of 2026 had yet to translate into improved food supply.
