In a recent exclusive interview in Lagos, Kevin Roepke, Regional Director for South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa at the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC), and Robert Alpers, a U.S. Soybean farmer and Director of the United Soybean Board, offered profound insights into the revitalized soybean trade between Nigeria and the United States. Following a six-year hiatus, Nigeria has imported a significant 62,000 tons of U.S. soybeans between 2024 and 2025, marking a pivotal moment for both nations' protein landscapes.

Roepke described Nigeria as a long-term, extremely exciting market, citing its well-known population growth, projected to exceed 400 million by 2050. He emphasized the U.S. Soybean farmers' long-term investment vision, affirming USSEC's commitment to a sustained presence in Nigeria, working collaboratively with local industries on workforce training and efficiency gains to foster future commercial activities. Regarding the future of soybean trade between the two countries, Roepke expressed strong optimism. He reiterated that Nigeria's demographics and ongoing urbanization, coupled with anticipated personal income growth, bode very well for soybean demand. As disposable incomes rise, consumers tend to incorporate more protein into their diets through poultry, eggs, aquaculture, or dairy, alongside increased use of vegetable oil, all of which directly benefit soybean consumption. The current low poultry consumption in Nigeria, just over 2 kilograms per capita compared to over 50 kilograms in other nations, highlights immense scope for growth.

Addressing the nutritional challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria, Roepke noted a significant protein deficiency, with consumption levels far below World Health Organization recommendations and global averages. He positioned the versatile soybean as a key solution to these problems, capable of addressing protein needs across various dietary preferences, whether for vegetarians seeking plant-based protein or meat-lovers consuming poultry and fish. The 'Right to Protein' campaign, spearheaded by USSEC in Nigeria for several years, has been instrumental in building awareness and advocating for higher protein diets in deficient markets. Roepke proudly stated that the campaign is at the forefront of shifting the global narrative from mere food security, which often focuses on calorie abundance, to nutrition security, which addresses the lack of protein. This shift has led to a spotlight on protein, with new high-protein products emerging and companies highlighting protein content in their marketing. Beyond Nigeria, the 'Right to Protein' campaign is active in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, with future expansion plans targeting other protein-deficient markets.

Beyond direct soybean trade, Roepke identified the poultry sector as a critical and mutually beneficial area for growth. He highlighted eggs as an elegant solution to many countries' protein problems due to their affordability, ease of production, natural shelf life of approximately 30 days without needing a cold chain, and efficient distribution to rural areas where protein is desperately needed. Furthermore, the Soy Excellence Centre (SEC) in Nigeria, a global initiative launched five years ago, has successfully upskilled over 4,000 professionals in the Nigerian protein enterprise workforce. Roepke emphasized the program's success stems from its industry-led approach, with a Nigerian Regional Advisory Council guiding the curriculum to ensure its relevance and fostering an engaged community of graduates who continue their education.

Regarding global trade shifts, Roepke articulated U.S. Soy's commitment to advocating for free and fair trade. He asserted that U.S. farmers, through technological advancements and investments in farm production, are unparalleled globally, ensuring that U.S. soy supply remains available, affordable, and reliable. The U.S. Soy industry plays a vital role in de-risking supply chains for poultry integrators, soybean processors, and aquaculture manufacturers worldwide, offering consistent quality and reliable supply chains. Programs like the CEO Summit, designed by USSEC, bring together global experts to discuss major industry issues and differentiate U.S. Soy. A significant advantage is U.S. Soy's de-risked supply chains due to natural solar and slow drying, which results in lower moisture, higher digestible protein, and higher metabolisable energy compared to competitors. This provides a clear win-win for Nigerian protein enterprises.

USSEC's long-term vision for the Nigerian market is reinforced by the unwavering support of U.S. Soy farmers, who see Nigeria's demographics, urbanization, and low protein consumption as exciting indicators for sustained investment. The impact analysis of the 'Right to Protein' campaign shows encouraging results, with protein food companies actively integrating the protein narrative into their marketing and strong demand for animal protein globally, underscoring the success of shifting focus to nutrition security.

Robert Alpers shed light on the sustainable farming practices employed by U.S. soybean farmers to achieve their lowest carbon footprint. He detailed the use of no-till farming to minimize soil disturbance and the implementation of cover crops to prevent erosion and build soil health. Alpers, a third-generation farmer whose son (fourth generation) and grandson (fifth generation) are now involved, underscored the deep importance of family in farming and the commitment to resource stewardship, particularly soil health. He advised Nigerian families in agriculture to train and support younger generations in leveraging new developments to enhance farm profitability. Addressing the profitability of soy farming, Alpers acknowledged the cyclical nature of markets, noting a current