The organisers of the AgroFood Nigeria and industry stakeholders have called for urgent action to industrialise Nigeria’s food system, reduce post-harvest losses, deepen processing capacity and meet international quality standards.
Speaking ahead of the 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria, scheduled for 24 to 26 March 2026, at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island Annex, Lagos, the Managing Director of Fairtrade Messe, Paul Maerz, said that Nigeria should move beyond primary production and embrace full-scale industrialisation of its food system.
“Nigeria’s food challenge is no longer about production alone. The decisive question is how quickly the country can industrialise its food system, reduce losses, deepen processing, and meet international quality standards. The Netherlands’ leadership at this edition reflects AgroFood Nigeria’s focus on practical, scalable solutions,” Maerz said.
He added that AgroFood Nigeria is designed to serve as a decision-driven business platform where policy direction, private capital and technology adoption converge to strengthen competitiveness.
According to the statement by the organisers, Nigeria’s agriculture sector contributes over 22 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product, yet limited processing capacity and persistent post-harvest losses continue to weaken value creation, job generation and foreign exchange earnings.
They explained that the 2026 edition will focus squarely on practical, scalable solutions that can accelerate Nigeria’s agro-industrial transformation.
The statement noted that the Netherlands will headline the event as Guest of Honour and Lead Country Pavilion Exhibitor and as the world’s second-largest agricultural exporter, the Netherlands will showcase advanced solutions in food processing, cold chain logistics, horticulture, seed technology, packaging and sustainable production systems.
The other confirmed country pavilions include Germany, China, Belgium and South Africa, reinforcing the exhibition’s position as West Africa’s most international agro-industrial marketplace.
In his remarks, the Conference and Exhibitor Partner for AgroFood Nigeria, Odion Aleobua, noted that the 11th edition marks a transition from discussions about potential to concrete execution.
“This 11th edition marks a shift from potential to execution. Nigeria’s agro-industrial future will be shaped by policy clarity, private capital, technology adoption, and trade readiness. Agrofood Nigeria is designed as a serious business platform where those decisions are advanced,” he said.
The other stakeholders from major business associations also backed the call for accelerated industrialization. There include the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
GIK/APA