Premier Agribusiness Academy (PAA), an agribusiness training institute in Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment towards the development of soybean production through its strategic partnership with USSOY, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Health, Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), Nigerian Soybean Association (NSA), Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and other critical stakeholders across the soybean value chain.

Mr. Toromade Francis, Director-General of Premier Agribusiness Academy, stated this during its first Nigerian Soy Excellence Centre (SEC) Advisory Council Meeting which held in Lagos recently.

Toromade explained that the country is challenged with high protein deficiency amongst both children and adults especially under-five children, adolescent girls and women of reproductive age. This results in malnutrition and other health hazards like stunted growth, underweight as well as infections.

Making reference to a research conducted in the United States of America, Toromade pointed out that an average Nigerian consumes only one kilogramme of soybean per year, whereas in the United States, its 55kg per person per year. This, he said, which could explain the difference in life expectancy.

He added that the contribution of soybean to protein intake cannot be overemphasized, since protein consumption is currently inadequate in Nigeria as a result of low production, high cost of production and importation.

“High-quality protein such as soybeans should be available, affordable and accessible by the high and low-income classes in the country especially to the vulnerable class who are mostly affected by protein deficiency and malnutrition”, he said. This Day