The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria have teamed up with Nigerian companies to strengthen trade and supply chains, aiming to close the country’s protein consumption gap.
At the recent “Nigeria: NOW” conference held in Lagos, the partnership brought together key players from government and private sectors including poultry producers and nutrition expertsto discuss collaborative efforts toward improving Nigeria’s food security.
With a population exceeding 236 million, Nigeria’s average daily protein intake per person stands at just 45.4 grams, falling short of the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) recommended minimum of 60 grams and the global average of 64 grams.
Acting U.S. Consul General in Lagos, JoEllen Gorg, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, “The Nigeria: NOW conference represents a pivotal milestone in forging pathways for mutual prosperity and economic success. By tackling Nigeria’s protein deficit, encouraging innovation, and sharing best practices, the U.S. Soy industry is helping build a resilient agricultural sector that supports long-term food security and economic growth.”
Gorg emphasized that the collaboration helps U.S. exporters connect with Nigerian agribusinesses, facilitating the adoption of U.S. soy products in Nigeria’s feed and food industries. “This partnership is vital for fostering trade relationships, advancing agricultural skills, and expanding the use of U.S. soy throughout Nigeria,” she added.
The event saw participation from high-profile Nigerian stakeholders, including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, and Lagos State Agriculture Commissioner Abisola Olusanya underscoring the importance of strengthened bilateral cooperation.
USSEC CEO Jim Sutter remarked, “Trade is crucial not only for the global economy but for local communities. U.S. Soy remains committed to working with partners worldwide as a dependable supplier.”
Echoing this commitment, U.S. Soy farmer and United Soybean Director Robert Alpers said, “I’m proud to help feed the world sustainably. As farmers, we focus on producing more with fewer resources and minimizing our environmental impact.”
Despite Nigeria’s domestic soybean production estimated by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service at approximately 1.15 million metric tons for the 2023/24 marketing year local supply cannot meet demand, particularly from the animal feed sector. Consequently, Nigeria imported 62,100 metric tons of soybeans from the U.S. in 2025, marking a return to U.S. imports after a six-year hiatus.
