Nigeria’s push to tame food inflation and reduce dependence on imports is shifting decisively toward agro-industrial processing and value-chain expansion, as public and private sector stakeholders prepare to align around practical solutions for scaling domestic food production.
This strategic pivot will frame discussions at the 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria Tradeshow and Conference, holding March 24–26 at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island Annex, Lagos. The event is organised by Fairtrade Messe and is expected to attract exhibitors and delegates from more than 15 countries.
Rather than focusing solely on boosting farm output, industry leaders say Nigeria must urgently expand processing capacity, strengthen cold-chain logistics and reduce post-harvest losses—structural gaps that continue to limit value creation, jobs and foreign-exchange earnings in a sector that contributes over 22 percent to GDP, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
From harvests to high-value products
Nigeria remains a major producer of several staple crops, yet still imports large volumes of processed food. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that post-harvest losses in developing countries can reach 30–40 percent, reflecting weak storage, handling and processing systems.
Stakeholders at Agrofood Nigeria are expected to examine how investments in food processing equipment, packaging, storage and logistics can convert raw agricultural output into competitive, export-ready products, while also improving domestic food availability.
Netherlands leads international participation
The Netherlands will serve as the headline country at the 2026 edition, reflecting its position as one of the world’s most advanced agri-food economies and a global leader in agricultural exports.
Dutch companies are expected to present proven technologies in horticulture, seed systems, food processing, cold-chain logistics, packaging and sustainable production. Other participating countries—including Germany, China, Belgium and South Africa—will also showcase solutions and partnership opportunities across Nigeria’s food and agro-allied industries.
Macroeconomic and trade signals
Keynote sessions will feature Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, and Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist at African Export-Import Bank.
Discussions will span food inflation dynamics, industrial competitiveness, investment flows and the role of the African Continental Free Trade Area in supporting export-led agro-industrial growth.
Execution over promises
Managing Director of Fairtrade Messe, Paul Maerz, said Nigeria’s priority must now be rapid food-system industrialisation, not just increased production.
Similarly, Conference and Exhibitor Partner Odion Aleobua noted that the 11th edition reflects a shift from potential to practical execution around policy clarity, private capital mobilisation and technology adoption.
Private sector bodies have also thrown their weight behind the event. The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria say the platform will strengthen links between Nigerian manufacturers and international technology providers, supporting higher processing standards and greater value addition.
What this means for Nigeria
For Nigeria, the implication is straightforward: expanding domestic processing, cutting post-harvest losses and building efficient value chains are among the most effective structural levers for easing supply constraints that keep food prices high.
If commitments from Agrofood Nigeria translate into real investments and faster project execution, Nigeria could begin to see steadier domestic supply, reduced import exposure and more stable food prices over time.
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