Founder and CEO of Terroso Group, Opeoluwa Runsewe, has highlighted wastage resulting from the lack of adequate preservation of farm harvests as a major challenge threatening Nigeria’s food security.
Runsewe, who asserted that Nigeria’s food problem was a result of preservation, not production, called for integrated temperature-controlled systems and infrastructure-grade financing to drive agro-industrialisation.
Speaking at a virtual press conference on ‘Post-Harvest Losses: The Business Case forgot Cold Chain Investment and Agro-Industrialisation’, Runsewe revealed that Nigeria loses between 30 and 50 per cent of its post-harvest produce, primarily due to the absence of an integrated cold chain ecosystem for food preservation.
He noted that while agricultural output has improved in recent years, the infrastructure required to preserve perishable goods from farm gate to consumer remains critically underdeveloped.
“Nigeria does not have a food shortage problem; we have a preservation problem. Until we build a fully integrated, temperature-controlled value chain, we will continue to lose up to half of what we
produce. Cold chain infrastructure is not just an agricultural need; it is an economic imperative,” Runsewe stated.
The conversation at the virtual event highlighted the ripple effects of post-harvest losses on agro-industrialisation, particularly for large-scale processing plants.
“With the reference that high loss rates significantly reduce both the volume and quality of raw materials available for processing, undermining efficiency and profitability.
Runsewe also stressed the need to maintain adequate storage conditions so as to minimise wastages and ensure a consistent year-round supply of seasonal produce.
He further explained that the lack of storage infrastructure forces many farmers into distress sales, weakening their bargaining power and limiting income potential.
Addressing the role of policy and finance, Runsewe called for a shift in how Nigeria’s banking sector approaches agricultural infrastructure.
“He advocated for infrastructure-grade financing models tailored to cold chain development, alongside policy reforms such as tax incentives, reduced import duties on key components, standardised storage regulations, and the establishment of a national cold chain strategy through public-private partnerships.
According to him, solving post-harvest losses should be treated as a macroeconomic priority with direct implications for GDP growth, food security, and inflation control.
On export competitiveness, Runsewe emphasised the importance of meeting international quality standards through locally adapted solutions.
He highlighted practical interventions, including solar-powered cold rooms, integrated pack houses, and partnerships with third-party logistics providers, noting that temperature control from the point of harvest is critical to reducing rejection rates in global markets.
As calls grow for increased investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, he stressed that sustained dialogue and collaboration are essential to addressing systemic challenges and unlocking long-term value.
He also disclosed that Terroso Group, a conglomerate committed to transforming the agricultural landscape through innovative cold chain storage and logistics solutions, is leading efforts to bridge critical cold chain gaps via its subsidiary Terroso Agriculture.
In addition, Runsewe reaffirmed the company’s commitment to driving a preservation-led transformation of the sector.
“He called on investors, development partners, policymakers, and private sector players to collaborate in scaling infrastructure, strengthening capacity, and accelerating innovation to build a more efficient and resilient food system in Nigeria.
