The Nigerian government is actively seeking European investment to enhance its cold chain infrastructure as part of broader efforts to combat food insecurity.
This initiative was a key focus at the 2025 Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria Exhibition and Conference, held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos from March 25 to 27, 2025.
Call for Investment in Cold Chain Infrastructure
Dignitaries and senior officials from Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands joined Nigerian representatives at the event to explore solutions to Nigeria’s growing food insecurity challenge. Reports indicate that over 30 million Nigerians currently face food shortages.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Ministry’s Lagos State coordinator, Omolara Abimbola-Oguntuyi, urged foreign investors to explore Nigeria’s cold chain industry.
“The Federal Government is committed to ensuring food availability, accessibility, and nutritional quality,” Kyari stated.
He added that policies are being implemented to boost agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ market access, and ensure fair resource distribution.
Food Losses Due to Inadequate Storage
Despite producing an estimated 65 million tonnes of food annually, Nigeria loses 40% of its harvest due to insufficient cold storage facilities, leading to economic losses of approximately ₦3.5 trillion.
Experts at the conference emphasized that strategic investment in cold chain infrastructure could make the agricultural sector significantly more profitable while improving food security.
Germany, Netherlands, and Poland Express Support
The Consul-General of Germany in Nigeria, Weert Borner, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s agrofood sector:
“Nigeria is one of six Sub-Saharan countries prioritized for intensified agricultural cooperation. Germany, at both government and private sector levels, is working with Nigeria on political, scientific, and economic agricultural matters.”
Similarly, the Consul-General of the Netherlands, Michel Deelen, highlighted the long-standing Dutch-Nigerian agrofood partnership and reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to unlocking new opportunities in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
The Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Poland, Michal Cygan, and the President of the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, Alexander Isong, also contributed to discussions on solutions to Nigeria’s food challenges.
Lagos’ Role in Agricultural Growth
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, stressed the importance of the event, considering Nigeria’s rapidly growing population.
“By 2050, Nigeria will be Africa’s largest consumer market. Lagos remains a hub for agribusiness, food processing, and manufacturing due to its strategic location and expanding industrial base,” he stated.
Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria: A Decade of Innovation
The Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria event, organized by Fairtrade Messe, celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2025.
Fairtrade Messe Managing Director, Paul Marz, highlighted that the exhibition has evolved into a platform for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in Nigeria’s agrofood and manufacturing industries. The event continues to attract exhibitors from Europe, Asia, and Africa, showcasing advancements in food production and processing.
