According to Vanguard News, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has demanded a halt to food waste as the country marks World Cleanup Day 2026 under the global theme ‘From Clean Plates to Clean Cities.’ In her strongly worded statement on Sunday, she expressed concerns over the increasing global food crisis and called on Nigerians to break away from their culture of wasting food. The First Lady made this call as part of her ongoing efforts to promote environmental sustainability and reduce poverty in Nigeria. This move comes at a time when the world is grappling with food insecurity, with many countries facing severe hunger crises due to factors such as climate change, conflict, and economic instability.
The issue of food waste has become increasingly critical, not just in Nigeria but globally. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), an estimated one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted each year. This not only exacerbates food insecurity but also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions due to decomposing organic waste in landfills.
Tinubu’s call to action aligns with global efforts aimed at reducing food waste and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 12, for example, seeks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns by 2030, with a particular focus on achieving zero hunger and improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture.
The First Lady’s call for an end to food waste is particularly significant in Nigeria, where millions of people struggle daily with food insecurity. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), nearly 9 million Nigerians face acute food insecurity, with children being among the most affected.
By reducing food waste, Nigerians can help alleviate hunger and improve the overall well-being of their communities. The First Lady’s call serves as a reminder that each individual has a role to play in promoting sustainable consumption and production practices.
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