Organisers of AgroFood Nigeria 2026 and industry stakeholders have urged urgent action to industrialise Nigeria’s food system, reduce post-harvest losses, deepen processing capacity, and meet international quality standards ahead of the 11th edition of the event, scheduled for 24 to 26 March 2026 at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island Annex, Lagos.
In a statement, the Managing Director of Fairtrade Messe, Paul Maerz, said Nigeria must move beyond primary production to 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.
AgroFood Nigeria is designed to serve as a decision-driven business platform where policy direction, private capital, and technology adoption converge to strengthen competitiveness. Despite agriculture contributing over 22 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, limited processing capacity and persistent post-harvest losses have weakened value creation, job generation, and foreign exchange earnings.
The 2026 edition will focus on practical solutions to accelerate agro-industrial transformation. The Netherlands will serve as Guest of Honour and Lead Country Pavilion Exhibitor, showcasing advanced solutions in food processing, cold chain logistics, horticulture, seed technology, packaging, and sustainable production systems. Other confirmed country pavilions include Germany, China, Belgium, and South Africa.
Odion Aleobua, Conference and Exhibitor Partner for AgroFood Nigeria, described the 11th edition as a shift from discussions of potential to concrete 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,” Aleobua said.
Major business associations also backed calls for accelerated industrialisation. The Director-General of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Sola Obadimu, said the exhibition is timely, offering a platform for practical solutions to challenges such as climate change, rising production costs, post-harvest losses, and limited market access.
The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, highlighted that the platform enables domestic manufacturers to access international technology, adopt global standards in food processing and packaging, and strengthen the Made-in-Nigeria brand.
Dr Chinyere Almon, Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised that collaboration across the value chain is critical to advancing food security and production quality.
The AgroFood Nigeria 2026 trade event will bring together policymakers, manufacturers, investors, technology providers, and development partners to accelerate Nigeria’s transition from raw agricultural output to globally competitive, export-ready food and agro-allied industries.
