The Country Lead for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), Foluso Alabi, has urged African governments and private sector players to prioritise food and nutrition security as a key driver of economic growth, productivity, and sustainable development.
Addressing concerns around “Galvanising Transformation-Integrating Agriculture, Industry and Markets for Sustainable Growth”, Alabi who also serves as Co-Chair of the U.S. Soybean Export Council — said the organisation, representing over 500,000 U.S. soy farmers, is committed to strengthening trade partnerships and advancing nutrition outcomes across Africa.
According to him, food and nutrition security is not only a development issue but an economic imperative, as the availability and quality of food directly impact labour productivity, Gross Domestic Products (GDP) growth, and overall competitiveness.
“We are deeply interested not only in trade but also in nutrition security. We have found in soybeans a product capable of addressing many of the world’s nutritional and economic challenges,” Alabi stated.
He disclosed that USSEC operates in about 15 key international markets, with sub-Saharan Africa emerging as a strategic focus region due to its population growth, urbanisation trends, and rising demand for affordable protein sources.
Citing global research, Alabi noted that a 10 per cent increase in food availability correlates with a 1–2 per cent rise in gross domestic product (GDP), underscoring the economic value of investing in food systems.
“When people have access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious food, they are more productive, healthier, and mentally stable. This translates into higher workforce efficiency and national productivity,” he added.
He emphasised that food security — defined by the World Food Summit as consistent access to adequate and nutritious food — forms the foundation of a stable and prosperous society. “A country that prioritises food security reaps dividends in economic productivity, poverty reduction, and human capital development,” Alabi said.
On Nigeria, Alabi expressed concern over the country’s malnutrition crisis, citing the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) data showing that Nigeria ranks second globally in stunted children, with a 32 per cent prevalence rate among children under five, and about two million suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
To address this, USSEC is promoting initiatives such as the ‘Right to Protein’ campaign, which advocates recognition of access to adequate protein as a fundamental human right. The programme aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), which calls for ending all forms of malnutrition and doubling the income of small-scale farmers.
Alabi urged policymakers and private sector stakeholders to invest in sustainable agricultural practices, efficient food distribution systems, and storage infrastructure, stressing that such measures would enhance food supply stability, reduce losses, and improve economic resilience.
“Food remains the most critical of human needs. When we invest in food and nutrition security, we invest in people, productivity, and prosperity,” he said.
He further highlighted that food insecurity, if left unaddressed, could have far-reaching economic consequences — including reduced productivity, slower growth, and increased social instability.
“Beyond the moral argument, there’s a strong business case for investing in nutrition,” Alabi said, adding that USSEC will continue to work with Nigerian and regional partners to strengthen the agribusiness value chain, enhance protein accessibility, and promote food system optimisation across Africa.
Also, speaking on the sideline at a forum organised by the American Business Council, and sponsored by Mantrac (CAT) and USSEC (US Soy), in Lagos, President of the Council and Managing Director, Citibank Nneka Enwereji, noted that Nigeria stands at an inflection point, blessed with vast agricultural potential, a growing industrial base, and one of the largest consumer markets in Africa. Enwereji noted that these are powerful pillars of opportunity, adding the task is to harness them for sustainable growth.
Speaking on technology, the Managing Director of Citibank recalled that from the early days of analog to today’s digital revolution, technology has consistently shaped the way industries evolve. Industrial growth depends on strong infrastructure, sustained investment, and innovation — all of which are critical to unlocking Nigeria’s next phase of development.
Enwereji said the American Business Council recognises that innovation, data, and collaboration are the lifeblood of modern enterprise adding that the Council is therefore committed to fostering partnerships that enable businesses to expand, adapt, and thrive in this dynamic environment.
Acknowledging the spirit of collaboration with partners and stakeholders, Enwereji admitted that such platforms will drive collective action. She said the Council will explore how capital, innovation, and public-private collaboration can unlock new opportunities across value chains, strengthen resilience, and position Nigeria competitively within the global economy.
For us at the Council, “this platform represents more than an exchange of ideas. It is a catalyst for solutions, partnerships, and advocacy — one that speaks directly to the needs of our members and the broader economy”, she said.
She said the partnership support will reinforce the Council’s mission to promote U.S.–Nigeria trade and investment, advocate for sound business policies, and foster partnerships that deliver inclusive and sustainable growth.
The opportunities before us are immense, but realising them requires intentional collaboration, smarter investments, and the courage to rethink traditional models, the Council President restated.
