NIyi JACOBS
Lagos and Germany have reinforced their partnership to drive innovation, investment, and sustainability in Nigeria’s agricultural and packaging industries. This commitment was underscored at the 10th Agrofood & PlastPrintPack Nigeria Conference and Exhibition, held at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
With Germany as the Guest Country of Honour, the event brought together government officials, investors, and industry leaders to explore advancements in agro-processing, food production, and sustainable .
Representing Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Secretary to the Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, highlighted Nigeria’s expanding consumer market. She emphasized that by 2050, the country will become Africa’s largest consumer economy, positioning Lagos as a critical hub for agribusiness and manufacturing.
Sanwo-Olu, in his message, invited investors to leverage Lagos’ growing industrial base and its agro-industrial initiatives, which include:
Lagos Food Systems and Logistics Hub – A 220-hectare food storage and distribution center in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, designed to streamline food supply chains.
Imota Rice Mill – The largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, processing 32 metric tons daily to strengthen food security and create jobs.
SME Support Programs – Financial and technical assistance through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Onje Eko Farmers’ Support Programme.
Sustainability Initiatives – Lagos’ ban on single-use plastics and waste-to-wealth programs to promote environmental responsibility.
Weert Börner, German Consul General, reaffirmed Germany’s long-standing cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture. He emphasized Germany’s focus on enhancing food security through modernized farming techniques, digitalized food processing, and resource-efficient packaging.
“Nigeria is one of six priority Sub-Saharan African countries for agricultural collaboration with Germany,” Börner stated. He acknowledged the support of Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs, which sponsored the German Pavilion, showcasing 14 leading German agro-processing and packaging firms. Additionally, VDMA, Europe’s largest industry association, expressed strong interest in expanding investment in Nigeria’s food and packaging sectors.
As the conference kicked off, Börner and Sanwo-Olu urged industry leaders to seize emerging opportunities, emphasizing Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential. Sanwo-Olu called for strategic partnerships to shape the future of agribusiness in Nigeria and Africa, while Börner encouraged stakeholders to explore German innovations in food production and packaging.
“Lagos is the investor’s first choice,” Sanwo-Olu assured, reinforcing the state’s status as Africa’s leading destination for agro-industrial growth.
