The Lagos State Governor Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu said today that ongoing Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria event in Lagos is vital for shaping the economic future of Nigeria particularly that of Lagos State.
Speaking at the official opening of the 10th Agrofood And Plastprintpack Nigeria Conference And Exhibition 2025, in Lagos, Sanwo-Olu said the “platform is not just an exhibition- it is a catalyst for innovation, technology, and investment in agro-processing, food production, packaging, and plastics.
He noted that Nigeria is projected to become the Africa’s largest consumer market as well as the largest human population in 2050.
The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barrister ‘Bimbola Salu-Hudeyin commended the organizers for their vision in fostering growth in these critical sectors.
Noting that the gathering was to explore new frontiers for economic expansion exploration and collaboration, he explained that:
“Lagos remains a hub for agribusiness, food processing, and manufacturing because of its strategic location, vibrant consumer market, and expanding industrial base.”
“This exhibition aligns seamlessly with our administration’s THEMES+ Agenda, which emphasizes industrialization, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability,” the emphasized.
“I urge you to seize this moment to forge partnerships, innovate solutions, and drive sustainable growth—not just for Lagos but for Nigeria and Africa as a whole”, he added.
In his opening remarks at the exhibition,
German Consul General Weert Börner congratulated the organisers of the 10th Agrofood & PlastPrintPack Nigeria 2025 with Pavilions from China, South Africa, Poland – for the first time! -, the Netherlands and Germany, and many other exhibitors and presenters.
“I am especially happy about the strengthened presence of EU Member States,” he said.
“This is the third “Agrofood Nigeria” that my wife and I are witnessing. On behalf of the German Government and on behalf of all German participants, I am very grateful that -for the 10th Agrofood and PlastPrintPack – Germany was chosen as the Guest Country of Honour.”
He said Nigeria is one of six Sub-Sahara African countries that have been on a list for intensified cooperation in agriculture for years already. Germany – both government and private sector – is cooperating with Nigeria on agricultural issues politically, scientifically and economically. It is about
achieving food security, modernizing agriculture, greening agriculture and adapting to the unavoidable impact of climate change – on the fields with better seeds and more efficient equipment, in food processing with digitalized machinery and higher resource efficiency, and through better and more environment-friendly packaging.
“After the difficult developments of recent years, there are huge challenges for Nigeria: “The number of Nigerians living in food insecurity grew in 2024 to more than 30 million people. You all know how challenging it is: security issues, high costs, low productivity, various pests, poor logistics, climate change.
According to him, there are signs of improvement as Nigeria’s agricultural trade volume was by far the highest since several years in 2024.
He said experts are projecting a growth rate for the Nigerian food market of about 10% per year from 2025 to 2030.
Nigeria’s local value chains in agriculture are improving.