The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in collaboration with other stakeholders in the agriculture sector have pledged to reshape the future of agriculture in Nigeria through technology innovation.
Dr Emeka Obegolu, the President of ACCI, said this at the opening of a three-day premier Farm, Food and Allied Technologies (FARMFATECH) 2024 Expo on Tuesday in Abuja.
The event, organised by the ACCI in collaboration with Autodex Nigeria Limited among others has as its theme: ‘New Agro Technologies for Shared Prosperity”.
Obegolu said the 2024 Expo was a significant step in a journey to reshape the agricultural landscape of Nigeria and, indeed, all of West Africa through agricultural innovation and cross-border collaboration.
“FARMFATECH is a groundbreaking, three-day Expo designed to foster global partnerships, particularly between Nigeria and China, as well as other key players in agricultural technology.
“With participants from 76 countries, this Expo provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange and industry insight that stands to benefit every stakeholder within the agricultural value chain, ” he said.
Obegolu said in today’s rapidly changing world, the sector faced a host of challenges, from climate change to financing, and fluctuating markets to the urgent need for modern infrastructure and technology.
He said that to sustain agriculture’s vital role, Nigeria must innovate, collaborate, and adapt to the global best practices, saying that was precisely the purpose of FARMFATECH Expo.
“The FARMFATECH Expo is set to be an unparalleled arena for showcasing cutting-edge agro-mechanisation technologies, food processing innovations, and opportunities for agricultural financing.
“Here, we bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to explore transformative opportunities for investment and partnerships that will shape the future of agriculture in Nigeria and beyond, ” he explained.
Contributing, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, lauded ACCI and its partners for the laudable idea to contribute to food security/productivity in Nigeria through technology innovation.
Represented by Mr Adegbenro Adebiyi, the Director Agric Business and Market Department, Kyari said the theme of the expo restated the importance of embracing technology-driven solutions to enhance productivity, improve food efficiency.
He said that the initiative would ensure food security and serve as a reminder of the vital role which agricultural sector plays in the nation’s economy and the well-being of Nigerians.
Also, Mr Eric Intong, Acting Group Managing Director Afreximbank, said the bank being the Global Trade Finance Bank for Africa, recognised agriculture’s critical role in economic development, food security, and sustainable livelihoods.
Intong, who stated the bank’s commitment on agriculture financing and value chain development, said the Expo’s objectives were essential for enhancing productivity, fostering innovation, and ensuring resilience in the agricultural sector.
“Agricultural financing is essential for enabling farmers and agribusinesses to secure the capital necessary for investments in technology, infrastructure, and sustainable practices.
“For this reason, under Afreximbank’s sixth strategic plan, Plan VI, the Bank is focusing on promoting Industrialisation and Export Development.
“This plan aims to diversify and accelerate the transformation of Africa’s trade from reliance on primary commodities towards industrialisation and export production and ensure a positive and long-lasting developmental impact for the continent ” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa said the initiative came at the right time as Nigeria among other countries were struggling to attain food security owning to agricultural activities being hampered by armed conflicts.
“To counter this, the DHQ have made operational arrangements to prioritise protection of farmers successful harvest across the country.
“Moreover, to address the effects of weather shocks, the need arises to invest in agricultural infrastructure, especially to embrace all seasons farming, ” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reportd taht the Chief of Defence Staff was represented by Major-Gen. Isah Abdullahi.
By Lucy Ogalue, NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA