Horticulture stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to strengthen local production and supply chain of horticulture and grapes in order to penetrate the 43 billion euros European Union horticulture and grape market.
The stakeholders made the call on Saturday during a webinar organised by the EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform.
The webinar was entitled: “Market Insights: Opportunities in the EU edible vegetables, floriculture and grapes import markets.”
Participants at the webinar were drawn from business sector in horticulture.
Other participants were horticulture scientists, members of the academia, government officials, farmers associations and service providers from Nigeria and EU countries.
According to them, this is the time for Nigeria to penetrate the 43 billion euros market for edible vegetables, floriculture and grapes imported into the EU countries in 2023.
The Chief Executive Officer, Cenacle Kenya Limited, Mr Bonaventure Mwaghania urged Nigeria to take advantage of its proximity to EU countries and the better sea freight rates that Kenya and other countries have.
He advised the country to strengthen its local production for export expansion.
Mwaghania said Kenya currently employs more than two million people in the horticulture sector and generates almost one billion dollars in horticulture product export to the EU market.
“Kenya horticulture production started in the early 80s and has metamorphosed into a sustainable commercial production and has grown over the years.
“The sector is coordinated by the private sector through the Kenya Flower Council on the floriculture side,” he said.
The Senior Programme Manager, Competitiveness and Financial Instruments in EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Frank Okafor reaffirmed EU’s commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties with Nigeria.
The Special Assistant to the President on Export Expansion, Office of the Vice President, Aliyu Sheriff said Nigeria was blessed with fertile land, abundant resources and growing network of agribusiness entrepreneurs eager to compete on the global stage.
Sheriff, who delivered the keynote address, emphasised that Nigeria should take strategic steps to align with international standards, tap into high-value markets and attract investment in key agricultural sectors.
He said the EU’s horticulture and grapes market presented a significant opportunity for Nigerian farmers.
According to him, by leveraging EU technical know-how, best practices and sustainable investment, Nigeria can enhance productivity, ensure market requirements compliance and position itself as a competitive player in the global value chain.
He gave an assurance that the Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope Agenda, remained committed to driving export-led economic growth.
“We are actively promoting initiatives that strengthen value addition, improve logistics and create an enabling environment for businesses to scale internationally.
“This aligns with our broader vision of economic diversification, job creation and increased foreign exchange earnings.
“Let us collaborate, innovate and ensure that Nigerian horticultural products meet global demand while unlocking new economic frontiers for our country.
“Together, we can transform Nigeria’s agricultural export landscape and make significant strides in the global market,” he said.
The Dutch Government, an EU member, through HortiNigeria project supports 60,000 farmers in production clusters in Kano and Kaduna states in the production of edible vegetables.
It also offers linkage to markets and access to finance for farmers and strengthen domestic trade in horticulture products.
The EU-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform is funded by the EU and managed by Agribusiness Register Limited to expand trade and investment between Nigeria and the 27-member EU bloc in the agribusiness ecosystem.
It focuses on improving inclusive growth in Nigeria through digital technology as well as youths and gender participation.
NAN
