The Nigeria Soybean Stakeholders Coalition (NSSC) has announced an ambitious target to strengthen protein sufficiency in Nigeria by significantly increasing soybean usage across both livestock feed and human diets.
Speaking at the coalition’s inauguration in Lagos, NSSC Chairman Dr. Joe Dada highlighted soybeans as a key solution to Nigeria’s nutritional gaps.
“Our mission is to promote protein sufficiency nationwide,” Dr. Dada said, outlining the coalition’s vision to raise soybean use in human diets from 20% to 80% and in livestock feed from 60% to 90%.
Dr. Dada emphasized that soybeans, often seen solely as livestock feed, hold vast potential in food products for people of all ages. “Soybeans have over 357 uses, from baby food to adult diets,” he explained, adding that soybean oil’s cholesterol-lowering properties make it an asset for heart health.
The coalition aims to partner with the federal government to address challenges hindering soybean production, including low yields and import bottlenecks.
“Protein deficiency is a recognized issue in Nigeria, and initiatives like the ‘one egg a day’ program reflect the government’s concern,” Dr. Dada stated.
This initiative is also seen as a potential driver for job creation, with expectations that expanded soybean production will create employment opportunities, particularly in agriculture and food processing.
Foluso Alabi, Country Lead for the US Soybean Export Council in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, described soybeans as a “game changer” in addressing malnutrition, particularly in Nigeria’s northern regions, where malnutrition rates are as high as 51%.
“Soy-based foods like soy milk and soy-garri could bring affordable protein to households across Nigeria,” Alabi noted, emphasizing the coalition’s alignment with national food security and zero hunger goals under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Alabi also pointed to the industrial potential of soybeans, referencing advances in soybean-based biofuels in the United States as a future opportunity for Nigeria.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, Dr. Chinyere Akujobi, through Dr. Modupe Hambolu, affirmed the government’s support for the coalition’s objectives.
“We expect NSSC to expand the soy value chain and create awareness of the nutritional benefits of soybeans,” Dr. Akujobi said, stressing that soybean production will play a crucial role in achieving Nigeria’s food security goals.
The event also featured the induction of the NSSC’s trustees and executive team, along with the unveiling of the coalition’s logo, marking a major step forward for Nigeria’s soybean advocacy efforts.