Stakeholders at the 9th edition of the Agrofood & Plastprintpack International Exhibition & Conference, held at the Landmark Center in Victoria Island, emphasized the imperative of prioritizing agribusiness to achieve diverse goals, including food security, improved nutrition, job creation, wealth generation, poverty reduction, and income generation.
Organized by Fairtrade Messe in collaboration with the Organization for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA), the conference convened over 140 international exhibitors who showcased tailored solutions for the Nigerian market.
Managing Director of Fairtrade Messe, Paul Maerz, described the event as “a testament to their dedication to delivering an unparalleled experience, surpassing previous benchmarks in every aspect.”
He highlighted Nigeria’s huge investments in food and packaging technology, positioning the nation as a major player in Africa.
He said, “As we gather here, we embark on a journey fueled by innovation, collaboration, and shared aspirations for the advancement of Nigeria’s agro-food and plastics industries. With each passing edition, our commitment to excellence has only grown stronger, and we are proud to present the elevated standards set for this year’s event.”
Wouter Plomp, the Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, underscored the shared vision between the Netherlands and Nigeria, recognizing agriculture as a key driver of economic growth in Nigeria. He highlighted the Netherlands’ success in agricultural innovation and productivity, demonstrated through its competitive standing in global markets and its impact on the Dutch economy.
“Agriculture serves as a driving force in strengthening our ties with Nigeria, recognizing the potential of the sector as the backbone of its economy.”
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo outlined a comprehensive strategy to attain food security in Nigeria during his keynote address at the conference. He emphasized the necessity of ensuring adequate food production, affordability, and accessibility, stressing the pivotal role of financial accessibility for farmers.
“In this regard, the Nigerian government is committed to fostering partnerships and collaborations with both public and private stakeholders to strengthen our cold chain networks.”
Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, expressed concern over the significant post-harvest losses in Nigeria. Represented by Hajiya Zuburat Mahmud, Kyari underscored the urgent need to address this challenge, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing cold chain networks through partnerships with stakeholders.