Germany, Others Join Forces to Revitalize Nigeria’s Cold Chain Infrastructure for Food Security
The 2025 edition of the agrofood & plastprintpack Nigeria exhibition and conference has officially commenced at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, marking its 10th anniversary. This significant event brought together dignitaries, diplomats from Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands, as well as key officials from both the Federal and Lagos State Governments. They unanimously recognized the pressing challenge of food insecurity, which currently affects over 30 million Nigerians.
Discussions highlighted Nigeria’s agricultural hurdles, with an annual production of approximately 65 million tons of food, but a staggering 40% of this yield lost due to inadequate cold storage facilities. This loss translates to an economic impact of around N3.5 trillion (approximately $8 billion), presenting a lucrative opportunity for investors aiming to revamp Nigeria’s food system.
In response, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is actively seeking foreign investment in the cold chain sector, which holds significant potential for profitability and economic upliftment through public-private collaboration.
During the keynote address, delivered by Mrs. Omolara Abimbola-Oguntuyi on behalf of Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Honourable Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, the minister underscored the global challenges of climate change, economic instability, and health crises that threaten food systems. He emphasized that Nigeria’s path to food security involves enhancing agricultural productivity through sustainable practices, improving farmers’ market access, and ensuring fair resource distribution.
The German Consul-General in Nigeria, Mr. Weert Borner, acknowledged the multifaceted challenges Nigeria faces, including security issues and poor logistics. He reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s agrofood sector, highlighting that the country is among six Sub-Saharan nations prioritized for agricultural cooperation.
Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State noted that Nigeria is projected to become Africa’s largest consumer market by 2050. He expressed the importance of the agrofood and plastprintpack Nigeria event in shaping the continent’s future and underscored Lagos as a central hub for agribusiness and food processing, bolstered by its strategic location and growing industrial base.
Paul Marz, Managing Director of fairtrade Messe, remarked on the event’s significance as it celebrates a decade of fostering innovation and collaboration within Nigeria’s agrofood sector. The exhibition features participants from various countries, showcasing the global interest in Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
The Consul-General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Michel Deelen, highlighted the longstanding trade relationship between the Netherlands and Nigeria, emphasizing opportunities for enhancing Nigeria’s agricultural capabilities.
Other notable speakers included Mr. Alexander Isong, President of the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA), and Michal Cygan, Ambassador-Designate of the Republic of Poland.