US, Nigeria agricultural partnership targets protein deficiency with renewed soybean trade

In a major move to strengthen food security and agribusiness collaboration, the United States and Nigeria are deepening their partnership to combat Nigeria’s growing protein deficiency through expanded agricultural trade, particularly focusing on U.S. soybean exports.

At the recently concluded “Nigeria: NOW” conference held in Lagos and hosted by the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), a broad coalition of stakeholders including poultry producers, nutrition experts, and agribusiness leaders gathered to explore practical solutions to Nigeria’s persistent protein gap.

Speaking at the event, Acting U.S. Consul General in Lagos, JoEllen Gorg, hailed the initiative as “a pivotal milestone in creating a pathway for mutual prosperity and shared economic success.” Gorg noted that by supporting Nigeria’s protein needs and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, U.S. Soy is helping to build a resilient food system that contributes to long-term economic and nutritional stability.

“The U.S. Mission is committed to connecting U.S. agribusinesses with Nigerian firms,” Gorg stated. “This partnership is crucial for building commercial ties, advancing agricultural training, and boosting the use of U.S. soy in Nigeria’s food and feed sectors.”

The high-level gathering attracted several Nigerian dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Abisola Olusanya—underscoring the strategic importance of the U.S.-Nigeria agricultural alliance.

Addressing the Protein Gap

Data presented at the conference highlighted a concerning reality: Nigeria’s average daily protein intake stands at just 45.4 grams per person—well below the global average of 64 grams and the FAO’s recommended 60 grams. With Nigeria’s population surpassing 236 million, this shortfall signals an urgent need for action.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, Nigeria produced an estimated 1.15 million metric tons of soybeans in the 2023/24 season—insufficient to meet domestic demand, especially in the animal feed sector. In a strategic response, Nigeria resumed U.S. soybean imports in 2024 after a six-year pause, importing 62,100 metric tons—a development widely seen as a promising step toward improving protein availability.

Trade, Sustainability, and Shared Prosperity

Jim Sutter, CEO of USSEC, emphasized the role of trade in enhancing food systems and economic growth. “U.S. Soy is at the forefront of collaborating with its partners as a reliable supplier,” he said.

Also in attendance was Robert Alpers, a multi-generational U.S. soybean farmer and United Soybean Board Director, who reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to sustainable farming. “We are producing more with fewer resources while reducing our environmental footprint,” Alpers shared.

Looking Ahead: Agribusiness as a Catalyst

For Nigeria’s growing small and medium agribusiness sector, the renewed collaboration offers both challenges and opportunities. The knowledge-sharing, access to high-quality inputs, and increased trade flows could serve as vital levers to transform the country’s agricultural landscape and bridge its nutritional divide.

The conference concluded with a call for stronger bilateral cooperation, greater private sector involvement, and continued investment in agricultural innovation—highlighting that targeted trade and trust-building will be essential to securing Nigeria’s food future.