Stakeholders from government, industry and the diplomatic community have intensified efforts to mobilise investment and deploy modern technology to strengthen Nigeria’s food processing and packaging sector, following the conclusion of the 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria in Lagos.
The renewed push was underscored at a high-level networking event hosted by the German Consulate General Lagos, where Nigerian agribusiness players, German exhibitors and members of the German business community explored opportunities for deeper collaboration across the country’s agri-food value chain.
Speaking at a press briefing, the German Consul General in Lagos, Daniel Krull, said strengthening agriculture and food processing remains critical to Nigeria’s long-term economic growth and food security.
Krull noted that improving food processing capacity would significantly reduce post-harvest losses, stimulate industrialisation, create employment and enhance the country’s ability to meet domestic food demand.
He pointed to Germany’s global leadership in food processing technology as a model for transforming agricultural output into competitive, value-added products. According to him, Germany’s status as Europe’s largest exporter of coffee—despite not cultivating the crop—demonstrates the power of advanced processing and innovation.
“Agriculture and food processing are key to addressing food insecurity and unlocking economic potential. Technology and innovation will play a decisive role in enabling Nigeria to fully harness these opportunities,” he said.
The annual exhibition, organised by fairtrade Messe GmbH, convenes stakeholders across the food value chain, including producers, ingredient manufacturers, processing equipment suppliers, packaging technology firms and distributors.
Managing Director of the company, Paul März, described the event as a strategic marketplace connecting Nigerian and West African businesses with global technology providers.
He said the exhibition serves as a key platform for industry engagement, enabling participants to explore new products, partnerships and technological solutions.
Now in its 11th year, the fair featured 137 companies from 17 countries showcasing equipment and innovations designed to enhance food production, processing and packaging in Nigeria.
Since 2017, the event has hosted an official German Pavilion backed by the German government, offering a platform for manufacturers to introduce advanced machinery aimed at improving Nigeria’s processing capacity and reducing reliance on imported food products.
Organisers said the initiative is geared towards boosting food self-sufficiency by promoting domestic production, industrialisation and the adoption of modern technologies.
März noted that the exhibition has contributed to measurable improvements in Nigeria’s food processing ecosystem, particularly in packaging and supply chain development. However, he acknowledged that gaps remain, especially in packaging technologies required to extend shelf life and meet export standards.
He added that several participating companies have already supplied Nigerian firms with equipment for sachet packaging, milk powder processing, PET bottling and recycling.
“With its long-term approach, Agrofood will continue to hold annually in Nigeria, delivering solutions to persistent challenges such as food safety, recycling and processing,” he said.
Krull also highlighted Germany’s broader economic engagement with Nigeria, disclosing a development portfolio of approximately €570 million supporting various sectors.
He explained that beyond trade fairs, Germany provides technical advisory services, vocational training and financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises. These include credit facilities offered through the German Desk at Access Bank to support investments in food processing technology.
German firms operating in Nigeria are also investing in workforce development to ensure local capacity for operating and maintaining advanced industrial equipment, thereby strengthening technology transfer.
While acknowledging challenges such as insecurity, financing constraints, regulatory bottlenecks and energy shortages, Krull stressed that Nigeria’s vast resources, entrepreneurial base and market potential position it for significant growth in the food processing sector.
He added that initiatives like Agrofood Nigeria remain critical in connecting investors, entrepreneurs and technology providers, and could play a transformative role in advancing Nigeria’s agricultural industrialisation.
