The Nigeria Soybean Stakeholders Coalition has set an ambitious goal to boost protein availability in Nigeria by increasing soybean use in food for both people and animals to 80%.
At their launch in Lagos, the coalition’s chairman, Dr. Joe Dada, shared a vision to make soybeans a bigger part of different sectors, aiming to tackle Nigeria’s nutritional issues.
“We want to ensure everyone in Nigeria has enough protein,” Dada shared, noting their plan to raise soybean usage for livestock from 60% to 90% and for human food from 20% to 80%.
Dr. Dada highlighted that soybeans are not just for animal feed but can be found in many food products for everyone, pointing out that they have over 357 uses, including baby food, snacks, and meals for adults.
He also mentioned that soybean oil is beneficial for health, helping to lower cholesterol.
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The coalition aims to work with the government to overcome challenges in soybean farming, such as low crop yields and difficulties in importing soybeans, which have affected previous efforts.
“The government recognizes that there’s a protein shortage in Nigeria,” Dada stated, noting programs like ‘one egg a day’ for school children as an example of this issue.
The government sees this initiative as a chance to create jobs, believing that increasing soybean production could lead to more employment opportunities, especially in farming and food processing.
Foluso Alabi, who leads the US Soybean Export Council for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, stressed that soybeans could greatly help fight malnutrition, especially since around 51% of children in northern Nigeria are affected.
“Soybeans can offer affordable protein, allowing more households to access foods like soy milk and soy-garri,” Alabi explained.
He added that the coalition’s goals support the federal government’s aim of improving food security and striving for zero hunger, one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“When people have enough to eat, they can work better. Soybeans are a reliable source of energy and nutrition, and we’re also exploring their potential in industries, like biofuels,” he said.
Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, who works for the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, conveyed the government’s backing for the coalition’s goals.
“We expect the coalition to promote the benefits of soybeans and boost its production, which is vital for Nigeria’s nutritional and food security objectives,” she stated, as the event included the introduction of the coalition’s leadership and the unveiling of its logo.
