Nigeria’s agricultural and packaging industries received a major boost as Germany and Lagos State reaffirmed their commitment to innovation, investment, and sustainability at the 10th Agrofood & PlastPrintPack Nigeria Conference and Exhibition in Lagos.
The event, which gathered key industry players, government officials, and investors at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, featured Germany as the Guest Country of Honour and showcased the latest advancements in agro-processing, food production, and sustainable packaging.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, emphasized Nigeria’s growing consumer market, predicting that by 2050, Nigeria will be Africa’s largest consumer economy. He described Lagos as a hub for agribusiness and manufacturing, strategically positioned to attract investment in food production and packaging.
“Lagos is the investors’ first choice,” Sanwo-Olu declared, urging stakeholders to leverage the city’s expanding industrial base and initiatives like:
Lagos Food Systems and Logistics Hub – A 220-hectare food storage and distribution center in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe.
Imota Rice Mill – The largest rice mill in Sub-Saharan Africa, processing 32 metric tons daily, creating jobs, and boosting food security.
SME Support Programs – The Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and Onje Eko Farmers’ Support Programme, offering financing and technical support.
Sustainability Initiatives – Waste-to-Wealth programs and Lagos’ ban on single-use plastics to promote environmental responsibility.
German Consul General, Weert Börner, highlighted Germany’s long-standing political, scientific, and economic cooperation with Nigeria in agriculture. He noted Germany’s role in enhancing food security through modernized farming techniques, digitalized food processing, and resource-efficient packaging.
“Our motto remains: German support for African solutions,” Börner stated, pointing out that Nigeria is one of six Sub-Saharan African countries prioritized for agricultural collaboration by Germany.
He acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs for sponsoring the German Pavilion, which featured 14 German companies specializing in agro-processing, food packaging, and mechanized farming solutions. The VDMA, Europe’s largest industry association, also expressed strong interest in expanding its investments in Nigeria.
As the conference officially opened, both Sanwo-Olu and Börner urged industry leaders to seize new opportunities, emphasizing that Nigeria’s agricultural sector could drive sustainable economic growth.
Sanwo-Olu called for partnerships that will shape the future of agribusiness in Nigeria and Africa, while Börner encouraged stakeholders to explore the German Pavilion for cutting-edge solutions in food production and packaging.
“Lagos is sweet to invest in,” Sanwo-Olu assured, reinforcing the state’s role as Africa’s leading destination for agro-industrial growth.
