By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), and the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) have called for increased private-sector investment in agricultural technology, mechanization, processing and export development to unlock Nigeria’s agricultural potential.
The call was made at the maiden edition of AgroMeqa Expo 2026, held at the Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, Trade and Convention Centre, ACCI Complex, Abuja, under the theme, “Technology and Investment for Agro-Export.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, said livestock contributes an estimated $32 billion to Nigeria’s economy, noting that the Federal Government is targeting an increase to $74 billion.
Maiha highlighted investment opportunities in dairy production, red meat processing, leather manufacturing and commercial fodder production, stressing that improved animal health, traceability, modern processing facilities and refrigerated transportation would enhance product quality, food security and export competitiveness.
He also emphasized the need to reduce dependence on dairy imports and expand local leather processing to create jobs, conserve foreign exchange and boost economic opportunities for women and young people.
In his opening remarks, ACCI President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to private-sector-led economic growth through technology adoption, investment mobilization and stronger agricultural market linkages.
Obegolu stressed the need to transition from traditional farming methods to mechanized and commercially viable agricultural systems capable of increasing productivity, reducing post-harvest losses and expanding Nigeria’s non-oil exports.
Similarly, NACCIMA President, Engr. Dr Jani Ibrahim, mni, OON, called for increased investment in farm machinery, processing and storage facilities, financing, quality assurance and logistics to develop competitive agricultural value chains.
He said Nigeria must increase local processing of agricultural produce, meet international quality standards and establish reliable commercial relationships to compete effectively in regional and global markets.
The Executive Director, Operations, NIRSAL, Dr Ewaen Imohe, identified inadequate mechanization, fragmented production systems, infrastructure deficits and limited access to finance as major constraints to agricultural productivity.
Imohe advocated farmer clustering, renewable-energy solutions and innovative financing models to improve access to agricultural machinery and reduce operating costs. He also disclosed that NIRSAL’s Land Bank Initiative had mapped more than 100,000 hectares of agricultural land to support commercially viable production clusters and investment opportunities.
The Director-General of ACCI, Agbaidu Jideani, commended the organizers for delivering the maiden edition of the Expo, expressing optimism that the event would expand in subsequent editions.
The programme featured panel discussions on mechanization and precision agriculture, as well as financing the modern agro-industrial value chain. The sessions were moderated by Dr Olasetemi Bode Thompson, ACCI Vice President, Agriculture, Chairman of JMT Plus Farms and convener of AgroMeqa Expo 2026.
Participants called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, investors, development partners, research institutions and private-sector operators to improve agricultural production, strengthen processing and storage infrastructure, reduce costs and position Nigerian agribusinesses to benefit from opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Organized by ACCI through its Agricultural Trade Group in collaboration with JMT Plus Farms and Agro-Allied, the two-day Expo continues on October 16, providing opportunities for business networking, stakeholder engagement and the exploration of agricultural technologies and investment prospects.
The event aims to promote agricultural innovation, investment facilitation, agribusiness development and export growth.
