AGROFOOD NIGERIA 2026 BREAKS INTERNATIONAL RECORD, RETURNS TO LAGOS BIGGER AND BOLDER

                                   

Agrofood Nigeria is set to make history in 2026 as the 11th edition records its strongest international participation ever, reaffirming its status as West Africa’s leading agrofood and packaging business platform.

Scheduled to hold from 24 to 26 March 2026 at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the exhibition is expected to attract thousands of industry decision-makers, investors, manufacturers, and solution providers from Nigeria and across the region.

Organised by fairtrade Messe in cooperation with Modion Communications, agrofood Nigeria 2026 will provide a focused marketplace spanning agriculture, food and beverage technology, food ingredients, packaging, and finished products — all under one roof.

 International Participation

This year’s edition will feature over 100 exhibitors from 14 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America — marking the most extensive global presence in the event’s history.

Participating countries include:

Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The exhibition is designed to promote face-to-face engagement, encourage technology transfer, strengthen supply chains, and support informed investment decisions across West Africa’s agrofood ecosystem.

Netherlands Named Guest of Honour

After eight consecutive years of participation, the Netherlands assumes the role of Guest of Honour for 2026.

Led by the Netherlands Consulate-General in Lagos, about 20 Dutch companies will showcase advanced innovations in horticulture, greenhouse systems, seed technologies, food processing, agrologistics, and climate-smart agriculture — reinforcing the country’s reputation as a global agricultural powerhouse.

Strong National Pavilions

Several countries will feature dedicated national pavilions, including:

Belgium/Flanders Pavilion, organised by Flanders Investment & Trade

China Pavilion, featuring over 20 exhibitors in processing and packaging technologies

German Pavilion, supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and industry associations, with companies such as GEA Group and Krones AG showcasing advanced “Made in Germany” solutions

India Participation, highlighting premium agricultural commodities and value-addition solutions

South Africa – Western Cape Pavilion, supported by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture

USA Participation, led by the Food Export Association of the Midwest and Northeast USA, introducing American suppliers to Nigerian buyers

Nigeria will also be strongly represented, with leading local agribusinesses and food processors leveraging the platform to expand partnerships and regional market access.

Bigger, More Targeted Layout for 2026

The 2026 edition introduces an optimised hall structure to enhance visitor experience:

Hall 1: Food + Beverage Technology & Packaging

Hall 2: Agro & Food + Hospitality

Hall 3: Food Ingredients

With thousands of targeted business meetings expected, organisers say the event continues to evolve into a regional hub for agro-industrial innovation and investment.

Nigeria’s Growing Agrofood Market

Industry data highlights the sector’s growth potential:

Nigeria imported €265 million worth of food and packaging technology in 2024.

Packaging technology imports alone reached €121 million.

The Nigerian food market is projected to reach $233.53 billion in 2025, with strong annual growth expected through 2030.

Despite local investments, food imports stood at $6.1 billion in 2023, compared to $2.2 billion in exports.

These figures underscore the urgent need for processing capacity, value addition, and export competitiveness — gaps agrofood Nigeria aims to address.

A Trusted Global Platform

Founded in 1991, fairtrade Messe has organised international trade fairs across Africa and the Middle East, connecting emerging markets with global solution providers. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a member of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

Event Details

Event: agrofood Nigeria 2026 (11th Edition)

Date: 24–26 March 2026

Venue: Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos

Summary

With record-breaking global participation, strong institutional backing, and expanded exhibition space, agrofood Nigeria 2026 is poised to deepen international partnerships, accelerate technology adoption, and position Nigeria as a competitive agro-industrial hub in West Africa.#

AGROFOOD NIGERIA 2026 TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL COMPETITIVENESS, AS NETHERLANDS HEADLINES 11TH EDITION

Nigeria’s ambition to build a competitive and industrialised food economy is gaining renewed momentum as agrofood Nigeria 2026 prepares to convene key players across the agro-allied value chain.

With agriculture contributing more than 22 percent to the nation’s GDP, stakeholders say the country must urgently tackle persistent challenges such as limited processing capacity, post-harvest losses, rising food inflation, and dependence on imports. The 11th edition of agrofood Nigeria is therefore set to shift focus from primary production to industrial competitiveness, value addition, and export readiness.

Netherlands Leads as Guest of Honour

The Netherlands, globally recognised as one of the most advanced agri-food economies and the second-largest agricultural exporter in the world, will headline the event as Guest of Honour and Lead Country Pavilion Exhibitor.

Dutch exhibitors are expected to showcase cutting-edge solutions in food processing, seed technology, cold chain logistics, packaging, horticulture, and sustainable production systems — offering tested models that could accelerate Nigeria’s agro-industrial scale-up.

Over 15 Countries Confirm Participation

Organisers disclosed that exhibitors from more than 15 countries will participate in the 2026 edition, further cementing agrofood Nigeria’s reputation as West Africa’s leading international agro-industrial marketplace.

Confirmed country pavilions include:

Netherlands – Guest of Honour

Germany – Food processing and packaging engineering

China – Processing machinery and automation technologies

Belgium – Precision farming and circular production systems

South Africa (Western Cape Pavilion) – Regional capabilities showcase

The international showcases are designed to facilitate technology transfer, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities across Nigeria’s food value chains.

Agrofood Nigeria 2026  to Address Macroeconomics and Export Growth

Day One: Economic Outlook

Day One of the conference will feature respected economist Bismarck Rewane, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company Limited.

He is expected to present a data-driven analysis of inflation trends, foreign exchange pressures, cost of capital, consumer demand, and broader investment signals influencing Nigeria’s agribusiness and food manufacturing sectors.

Day Two: Trade and AfCFTA Opportunities

On Day Two, Yemi Kale, Group Chief Economist at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), will lead discussions on trade competitiveness and export-led growth.

The sessions will examine how Nigeria’s agro-allied industries can leverage opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to transition from domestic scale to regional and global value chains. 

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Industry Bodies Rally Support

Leading business associations have expressed strong backing for the initiative, including:

Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA)

Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

Stakeholders emphasised that improving food security and boosting export competitiveness will require policy clarity, private sector investment, technology adoption, and adherence to global quality standards.

According to organisers, Nigeria’s food challenge is no longer about production alone, but about industrialising the sector, reducing losses, and positioning local products to meet international benchmarks.

Event Details

Event: agrofood Nigeria 2026 (11th Edition)

Dates: 24–26 March 2026

Venue: Landmark Centre, Victoria Island Annex, Lagos

Guest of Honour: Netherlands

Overview

agrofood Nigeria 2026 is expected to serve as a high-level business and policy platform aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s agro-industrial transformation. With strong international participation and expert-led discussions, the event seeks to reposition the country’s food sector toward industrial efficiency, value addition, and export-driven growth.#

LASIEC REVIEWS 2025 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS TO DEEPEN DEMOCRACY

The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has taken a critical step toward improving grassroots democracy with the convening of a post-election retreat to review the conduct of the 2025 Local Government elections across the state.

The retreat brought together LASIEC officials and key stakeholders to assess the successes recorded during the elections, examine challenges encountered, and draw lessons to guide future electoral exercises.

Speaking at the retreat, the Chairman of LASIEC, Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile (rtd.), described the gathering as a strategic move aimed at strengthening democratic processes in Lagos State. She reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency, credibility, and continuous improvement in election management.

According to Justice Okikiolu-Ighile, the retreat created an open forum for stakeholders to frankly discuss operational gaps, logistics, security arrangements, and voter participation observed during the elections. She noted that insights and feedback from the discussions would play a key role in shaping reforms and enhancing electoral procedures ahead of future polls.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of LASIEC, Abdul Rafiu Fashola, emphasized the importance of institutional learning in building a more robust electoral system. He explained that the retreat was designed to allow staff and stakeholders to critically examine issues such as logistics, manpower deployment, operational efficiency, and voter turnout.

Fashola stressed that LASIEC remains firmly committed to professionalism and accountability, adding that recommendations from the retreat would be instrumental in improving the quality of future elections in the state.

Earlier, while welcoming participants, the Supervising Commissioner of LASIEC and Chairman, Electoral Training Committee, Hon. Oladele Adekanye, described the retreat as a vital ingredient for achieving credible elections. He underscored the need for continuous training of electoral officers to enhance efficiency, integrity, and strict adherence to electoral guidelines.

Hon. Adekanye disclosed that lessons learnt from the 2025 Local Government elections would be integrated into future training modules for LASIEC personnel, ensuring better preparedness in subsequent elections.

The retreat is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report containing actionable recommendations aimed at further deepening democracy and strengthening electoral governance in Lagos State.

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AJOSE ARILESOLA CDA CHARTS BRIGHTER PATH AT ITS 2025 AGM, CALENDAR LAUNCH & AWARDS CEREMONY

Under the warm Saturday sun of December 6, 2025, the Ajose Arilesola Community Development Association (CDA) came alive with the sound of greetings, laughter, and renewed hope. It was more than an Annual General Meeting. It was a gathering of neighbours determined to shape a stronger, safer, and more united community.

From the colourful display of the new community calendar to the proud smiles of award recipients, the event showcased both the achievements of the past year and the aspirations of the one ahead.

A Year of Progress: Chairman Speak

                                  Alhaji Alimi Quamorudeen 

For the CDA Chairman, Alhaji Alimi Quamorudeen A., the day was an opportunity to reflect on how far the community has come—especially after months spent in darkness due to a faulty transformer.

Standing before residents, he described the successful power restoration as a defining moment.

“Our partnership with Ikeja Electric to replace the faulty transformer was a major breakthrough,” he said with gratitude.

 “It proved again that when a community stands together, progress becomes possible.”

He highlighted other milestones: the production of the community calendar, recognition of outstanding contributors, and the historic installation of an official Baale—all pointing toward a community strengthening its identity and governance.

Looking ahead, he reassured residents that infrastructure remains a priority.

 “Once the rains subside, we are moving immediately to fix the potholes, clean up the drainage, strengthen security, and ensure every project is delivered transparently,” he pledged.

Strengthening Partnerships for Development

 

Temitayo Abudu

The General Secretary, Mr. Temitayo Abudu, echoed the message of collective progress but with an added emphasis on collaboration.

In a calm but determined tone, he explained the CDA’s strategic moves:

 “We are deepening our engagement with the LCDA, Lagos State Government, NGOs, and private sector partners.”

These collaborations, he said, will focus on youth empowerment, improved drainage networks, and the installation of solar-powered streetlights equipped with CCTV.

For him, trust-building remains the foundation of community growth.

 “Our goal is simple—build trust, build unity, and build a community where everyone participates willingly.”

Solar Streetlights: A New Dawn for Ajose Arilesola

One of the highlights of the event was the unveiling of a new solar-powered streetlight initiative—a project that promises safer nights and brighter streets.

Pastor Fọlọrunsho Olufemi Ojerinde, a respected voice in the community, called the project a welcome development.

“This is a brilliant and long-needed innovation. It will light up our roads and strengthen our security. Every resident should support it wholeheartedly,” he urged.

He also spoke passionately about environmental responsibility, warning that poor behaviours such as illegal shop extensions block drainage and worsen flooding.

 “If we want progress, we must maintain discipline. Let us stop shop extensions that hinder water flow.”

In a gesture that drew applause, he pledged personal financial support to the project.

Youth Wing: Raising a New Generation of Community Builders

                                                       Abudu A. Olalekan

Energy and optimism filled the hall as the Youth Leader, Mr. Abudu A. Olalekan, took the stage. He celebrated the growing involvement of young people—an encouraging trend for the community’s future.

“Our youths have shown that they are ready to lead, ready to serve, and ready to contribute,” he said proudly.

He noted that the youth wing expects more opportunities in 2026, especially in employment and governance participation. Their plans include entrepreneurship programmes, mentorship schemes, expanded digital engagement, and more environmental activities to keep the community clean and vibrant.

A Community That Stands as One

Representing tradition and cultural continuity, the Baale of Ajose Arilesola, Chief Taiwo Arilesola, expressed his satisfaction with the progress made so far.

“Ajose Arilesola is moving forward—peacefully, steadily, and boldly,” he said.

 “I am proud of our collective leadership and the rising visibility our community now enjoys.”

His words echoed the sentiment shared by many: the community is stronger when it moves in unity.

                Unveiling the 2026 Calendar & a Flagship Project

The ceremony reached its peak with the formal unveiling of the 2026 CDA Calendar—a colourful reflection of the community’s identity and progress.

But an even more significant announcement followed:

“LIGHT UP AJOSE ARILESOLA COMMUNITY” 

A flagship project aimed at transforming the community’s night-time  and safety using solar-powered streetlights and reinforced security features.

The initiative marks a bold step toward a more secure and modernized neighbourhood.

Deserving  members were also honoured with Awards

Moving Forward—Together

As the event drew to a close, one message stood tall above all others: the future of Ajose Arilesola will be shaped by collective responsibility.

With dedicated leaders, engaged youths, and committed residents, the CDA continues to strengthen its foundation as a community where every voice matters, every effort counts, and every contribution lights the way forward. ##

U.S. Lawmakers Query Trump Administration Over Deadly Caribbean Boat Strikes

 

U.S. lawmakers are pressing the Trump administration for explanations following reports of a controversial military operation targeting suspected Venezuelan drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. The scrutiny comes amid allegations that a second strike was ordered to eliminate survivors of an initial attack.

Republican-led congressional committees responsible for Pentagon oversight have pledged to conduct “vigorous oversight” of the incident and the broader series of naval strikes carried out in recent months.

According to reports released on Friday, a U.S. strike on September 2 left two individuals alive. However, a follow-up attack was allegedly launched to enforce Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s reported directive to “kill everybody” on board. Hegseth has dismissed the story as “fake news,” while former President Donald Trump publicly expressed complete confidence in him.

The U.S. has significantly increased its military presence in the Caribbean, carrying out multiple lethal operations against suspected drug-smuggling vessels in international waters near Venezuela and Colombia. These actions are part of what officials describe as a strengthened anti-narcotics campaign.

Since early September, more than 80 people have reportedly been killed during these operations.

CERUD EMPOWERS NEXT GENERATION OF BAKERS IN LAGOS

 

The Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), a Lagos State government agency, has taken a bold step toward empowering rural communities by organizing a one-day bread and pastry training program in Epe.

 The initiative, held at CERUD’s Igbodu Office Complex, brought together dozens of enthusiastic youths from Epe and neighboring communities.

Building Skills for Sustainable Livelihoods

Participants received hands-on training in modern baking techniques, hygiene practices, and packaging methods—skills designed to help them establish small-scale businesses in bread and pastry production. 

According to CERUD Director, Musbsiu Muyiwa Balogun, this maiden edition of the program was created to reduce unemployment and foster economic inclusion in rural areas.

“Our goal is to equip young people with practical skills that can translate into sustainable livelihoods. By focusing on bread and pastry production, we are tapping into a sector with high demand and strong market potential,” Balogun explained.

Aligning with Lagos State’s Development Agenda

                                              Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje

Mrs. Kimelomo Bolarinwa

Relaying the messages of Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje, Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, and Mrs. Kimelomo Bolarinwa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Balogun emphasized that the training aligns with Lagos State’s broader agenda of equitable development. The program ensures that rural communities benefit from skill acquisition opportunities traditionally concentrated in urban centers.

He further charged participants to make good use of the starter kits provided, motivating them to put their new skills into practice.

Starter Kits and Encouragement

Director , Public Affairs, Olusola Ajisafe, urged participants to take the training seriously, noting that it would improve their standard of living. To support their journey, CERUD distributed starter kits—including mini ovens, 50kg bags of flour, weighing scales, and certificates of participation—at the close of the program.

Voices of Gratitude

Participants at the training  with CERUD officials

Several participants expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how the training would enable them to contribute to their families’ income and community growth. Facilitators ensured that each participant left with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the bread and pastry industry.

Looking Ahead

CERUD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding training and empowerment initiatives across other rural communities in Lagos State. This effort reinforces the government’s vision of inclusive growth and development, ensuring that no community is left behind in the pursuit of economic opportunities.

  Several participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity, highlighting how the training would enable them to contribute to their families’ income and community growth. 

Starter kits which included mini overn,50kg of flour, scale  and certificates of participation were distributed at the close of the training 

CERUD reaffirmed its commitment to expanding  the training and empowerment initiatives across other rural communities in Lagos State, reinforcing the government’s vision of inclusive growth and development.

LAGOS BACKS THE HANDS THAT FEED THE NATION : CERUD DISTRIBUTES FARM TOOLS TO RURAL FARMERS.

 

 

In a bid to strengthen the “hands that feed the nation,” the Lagos State Government, through the Office of Rural Development and the Centre for Rural Development (CERUD), has distributed small-scale farm tools to rural farmers across the state.

The event, held at CERUD’s Igbodu-Epe office, was graced by key stakeholders in the state’s agricultural sector. Speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje, emphasized that the initiative was designed to empower farmers with efficient tools, enabling them to produce more and live better lives.

                       Special Adviser ,Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekini Agbaje,

“By equipping our farmers, we are laying the foundation for true food security in Lagos State,” Dr. Agbaje stated.

               

In his welcome remarks, Director and Chief Executive Officer of CERUD, Musbau Muyiwa Balogun, described the intervention as a strategic step toward boosting productivity and ensuring sustainable food security in rural communities. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continually support farmers with the tools and inputs needed to make agriculture more productive and rewarding.

Collaborating the stance, of  the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Rural Development, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, CERUD Director ,Musbau  Muyiwa Balogun  urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment and not sell them, emphasizing that the tools were meant to uplift their livelihood and enhance agricultural growth.

The distribution exercise saw farmers receive essential tools such as hoes, rakes, diggers, cutlasses, shovels, and other modern implements designed to make farm work easier and improve yields.

Filled with excitement and gratitude, the beneficiaries hailed the Lagos State Government for its continued efforts in supporting grassroots development and promoting food sufficiency.

With initiatives like this, Lagos is not only investing in agriculture—it is investing in the people who keep food on the  tables.