‘We must improve infrastructure, adopt tech to tackle food insecurity’

Albert Anietie is the end-to-end planning manager of Grand Cereals Limited. In this interview with Josephine Okojie-Okeiyi, he speaks on the country’s food supply chain management and how it can build an inclusive food system.

Can you tell us how you transitioned to your current role as end-to end planning manager at Grand Cereal Limited?

I transitioned into the End-to-End Planning Manager role at Grand Cereals Limited by strategically streamlining operations across demand forecasting, supply, and production planning.

A key achievement was leading a cost-saving initiative that reduced product expiries by 30 percent, saving the company N145 million. This was driven by data analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and improved planning accuracy.

What are the biggest challenges facing Nigeria’s food supply chain?

Nigeria’s food supply chain is hindered by poor infrastructure, insecurity, and inconsistent government policies. Other key challenges include limited access to finance, high post-harvest losses, weak coordination among stakeholders, and low adoption of modern technology.

Climate change, unreliable power supply, and rapid urbanization further strain the system, making food distribution inefficient and costly.

How do you handle unexpected disruptions in your organisation’s supply chain?

I handle disruptions through swift root-cause analysis, real-time coordination with stakeholders, and dynamic production adjustments. By leveraging data and contingency plans, I ensure service continuity.

For example, during a raw material shortage, we rerouted supplies and rebalanced inventory to avoid stockouts. I also focus on long-term resilience through supplier diversification and risk management.

What approach do you think Africa, and Nigeria in particular should adopt to build sustainable and inclusive food systems?

To build sustainable and inclusive food systems, Nigeria should invest in rural infrastructure, support smallholder farmers, adopt climate-smart practices, promote digital innovation, ensure policy consistency, and empower youth and women through inclusive programs and public-private partnerships.

What role can tech play in enhancing planning and supply chain management?

Technology enhances supply chain planning by increasing visibility, improving forecasting accuracy, reducing waste, and enabling faster, smarter decisions through tools like ERP, AI, and IoT — making operations more efficient and resilient.

The food sector in general has continued to provide new opportunities for investors, so which area will you encourage investments across the supply chain?

Investments should focus on post-harvest infrastructure, agritech, cold chain logistics, value-added processing, and sustainable packaging to reduce losses and boost efficiency across the food supply chain

How can Nigeria solve its food insecurity problem?

To solve food insecurity, Nigeria must boost local production, improve infrastructure, adopt agritech, ensure stable policies, address insecurity, and promote climate-resilient farming practices.