AgroFood Targets Food Import Reduction, Export-ready Value Chains

Fairtrade Messe, organisers of the 11th edition of agrofood Nigeria said the fair is set to convene policymakers, manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s agro-industrial transformation.

The event holding on March 24 to 26 2026 in Lagos will focus on reducing food imports, stabilising food inflation, and converting agricultural output into scalable, export-ready value chains

While agriculture accounts for over 22 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, limited processing capacity and persistent post-harvest losses continue to constrain value creation, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings.

The Netherlands, one of the world’s most advanced agri-food economies and the second-largest agricultural exporter globally, will headline agrofood Nigeria 2026 as guest of honour and lead country pavilion exhibitor. While the headline speakers of the event are the managing director/CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, Bismarck Rewane and the Group chief economist at Afreximbank, Dr. Yemi Kale.

Dutch participation will spotlight globally proven solutions across food processing, cold chain logistics, horticulture, seed technology, packaging, and sustainable production systems, offering practical pathways for Nigeria’s agro-industrial scale-up.

The 2026 edition will host exhibitors from more than 15 countries, reinforcing agrofood Nigeria’s position as West Africa’s most international, decision-led agro-industrial marketplace.

Speaking on the strategic direction of the 2026 edition, the managing director of fairtrade Messe, Paul Maerz, said, “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.”

Conference and exhibitor partner for agrofood Nigeria, Odion Aleobua noted that “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.”

The director-general of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), a key partner for agrofood Nigeria 2026, Engr. Olushola Obadimu stated, “this exhibition is particularly timely. As we confront issues ranging from climate change and rising production costs to post-harvest losses and limited market access, there is an urgent need for practical solutions, modern technologies, and strategic partnerships. Events like agrofood Nigeria create the right environment for meaningful conversations to translate into actionable outcomes.”

Also speaking, director-general of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir noted that “the agroFood Exhibition offers a direct and practical bridge between Nigerian manufacturers and international technology providers, enabling access to solutions that can transform unanticipated local production.

“Specifically, this platform supports technology acquisition, the adoption of global standards in food processing and packaging, and the strengthening of the Made-in-Nigeria brand through increased value addition. Each of these outcomes contributes directly to economic growth, job creation, and national food security.”

The director-general of Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Dr. Chinyere Almona said, “the agrofood Nigeria International Tradeshow and Exhibition, presents a vital opportunity to bring together critical stakeholders whose collaboration and organisational integration will advance food security in Nigeria and significantly enhance production quality across the agricultural value chain.”