The Lagos State Government has called for increased agro-investment partnerships to boost the sector’s value chain.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, made the call in his address at the Fairtrade Messe Agrofood Fair.
It was reported that the 11th edition of the fair, West Africa’s annual business platform for the agrofood industry, began on Tuesday at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos.
The fair, organised by Fairtrade Messe in collaboration with its local partner, Modion Communications, attracted agrofood stakeholders from across the world.
The Netherlands is the Guest of Honour at the Agrofood Nigeria 2026 fair, reflecting its strong partnership with Nigeria and showcasing Dutch expertise in the agrofood sector.
Sanwo-Olu noted that Nigeria has the land, climate, hardworking farmers, and market size to become one of the world’s leading food producers.
The governor said the exhibition was important for boosting food security.
He added that many local farmers still struggle to earn a decent income, as much of their produce is lost post-harvest.
“Lagos is not just Nigeria’s commercial capital—we are Africa’s largest single food consumption market. Our food economy has more than doubled in just six years, rising from ₦6.5 trillion in 2019 to over ₦16 trillion today.
“Lagos is the natural gateway and the biggest, most structured market any serious player in agro-processing, cold chain, packaging, or food technology can hope to reach on this continent.
“But here is the honest truth: the real bottleneck is no longer on the farm; it is everything that happens after the harvest.
“That is why I am genuinely excited to see all of you here today,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He expressed optimism that the exhibition would showcase world-class cold chain solutions, advanced processing machinery, innovative packaging, and smart farming technologies needed to transform the sector.
“Lagos is not looking for pilot projects or photo opportunities. We are looking for serious, long-term partners ready to tap into the largest, fastest-growing, and most commercially attractive food market in West Africa.
“So, let me speak directly to every exhibitor, technology provider, investor, and international partner here: Lagos is open for business.
“Bring your best solutions, expertise, and capital. Come and co-create systems that work for our roads, climate, farmers, and consumers.
“The returns are real, the market is here, and the political will is unwavering. The future of food security in Nigeria will not be decided by speeches.
“We invite you to join us—not as visitors, but as genuine partners in a transformation that will improve food supply, reduce waste, create jobs, and position Nigeria on the global food map,” he said.
On his part, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Daniel Krull, lauded the Nigerian government for creating an enabling environment for agriculture.
“Nigeria’s Federal Government has set a plan that is very promising, and there is a lot of hope for expansion in the agrofood sector.
“We want to partner with Nigeria in agriculture. We are not just known for automobiles like Mercedes; Germany is also one of the largest coffee producers in the world.
“We are currently investing in Nigerian businesses that want to import agro machinery through our Programme 20 Connect project,” Krull said.
Also speaking, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, Mr Bengt van Loosdrecht, said his country is ready to collaborate with Nigeria to boost its agricultural potential.
“The Nigerian food market is estimated at about 240 billion dollars and is growing annually. It is also one of the largest food importers in the world.
“As a society, we decided that agriculture is not a declining sector but one to develop into excellence. I believe Nigeria has all the conditions to achieve this.
“Our journey in the Netherlands took decades, but every element of the model is transferable. We are here as partners who believe that combining Dutch technology with Nigerian entrepreneurship will boost the sector.
“This represents something truly transformative for the continent. We have been investing in Nigeria’s agricultural transformation across the value chain,” he said.
