Nutrition Security: US, Nigerian companies partner to boost soybean trade, supply

*The United States Soybean Export Council and the US Mission in Nigeria partner with the West African country’s companies to increase trade and supply, thereby bridging the protein gap in the economy

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The United States Soybean Export Council (USSEC) and the US Mission in Nigeria are partnering with Nigerian companies to increase trade and supply, thereby bridging the country’s protein gap.

The USSEC, in a statement, said its signature “Nigeria: NOW” conference held in Lagos, recently brought together stakeholders across the government and private sectors, including poultry producers, nutritionists, and more.

The US Soybean Export Council also noted that with a population of over 236 million and growing, Nigeria’s protein consumption per capita yet remains low at only 45.4 grams per person per day, compared to the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) minimum recommended intake of 60 grams.

The global average is around 64 grams.

Goal of US Soy industry’s partnership with Nigerian firms, by US Consul-General

JoEllen Gorg, Acting US Consul-General, while speaking at the conference, in Lagos, noted: “The U.S. Soybean Export Council’s ‘Nigeria: NOW’ conference marks a pivotal milestone in creating a pathway for mutual prosperity and shared economic success.

“By addressing Nigeria’s protein gap, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices, the US Soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability.”

Gorg also explained the collaboration between USSEC and the US mission in Nigeria is critical in helping export-ready US companies to build business relationships with Nigerian agribusinesses, and promote the use of the American country’s soy in Nigeria’s feed and food industries.

The envoy stated: “We are enthusiastic about the opportunities arising from the collaboration between USSEC and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.

“This partnership is crucial in helping export-ready US companies build business relationships with Nigerian agribusinesses, training Nigerians in new agricultural practices, and promoting the use of US soy in Nigeria’s feed and food industries.”

In attendance at the event include high-level Nigerian stakeholders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governor (Engr.) Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Abisola Olusanya, Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food System, Lagos State, who all emphasised the opportunity for greater collaboration between the US Soy and Nigeria.

USSEC CEO: Trade is vital to global, local economies

Speaking on the partnership, USSEC CEO Jim Sutter said: “Trade is vital to the global economy and, more importantly, to local economies. US Soy is at the forefront of collaborating with its partners as a reliable supplier.”

Robert Alpers, a generational US Soy farmer and United Soybean Director, also said: “I’m proud to be playing my role in helping to feed the world sustainably.

“As U.S. Soy farmers, we are committed to ensuring we produce more using fewer resources and reducing our environmental footprint.”

It is noted though Nigeria grows soybeans, the growing demand for the agricultural produce significantly outweighs supply.

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service estimated Nigeria’s local production at around 1.15 million metric tons for the marketing year (MY) 2023/24, with the animal feed sector accounting for the majority of its use, report said.

In view of the demand-supply mismatch in 2025, Nigeria has imported 62,100 metric tonnes of soybeans from the United States after a pause for six years, according to report.