LAGOS, EPICENTRE OF AGRIBUSINESS – SANWO-OLU
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Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated Lagos State’s status as Africa’s top hub for agribusiness, industrialization, and sustainable food packaging. He encouraged investors and stakeholders to capitalize on the opportunity to form strategic partnerships and foster sustainable growth in the agro-processing and packaging sectors.
The Governor made this statement on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 10th Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria Conference and Exhibition at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island.
In his keynote address, delivered by the Secretary to the Government of Lagos State, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized Nigeria’s projected position as Africa’s largest consumer market by 2050, highlighting the importance of the conference in shaping the nation’s future.
He said, “This platform is not just an exhibition – it is a catalyst for innovation, technology, and investment in agro-processing, food production, packaging, and plastics. Lagos remains the commercial and economic nerve centre of Nigeria and West Africa, and as of today, it is the second-largest economy in Africa”.
Mr. Governor added that Lagos remains strategic in agribusiness in view of the state’s vibrant consumer market, expanding industrial base, and ongoing infrastructural developments that support food processing and sustainable packaging solutions. “Lagos is a sweet place to invest, and we are committed to creating an enabling environment that attracts both local and foreign investors”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu emphasized key initiatives under the state’s THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda, which focuses on industrialization, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability. He noted the participation of over 100 exhibitors from 15 countries, alongside significant players in the agricultural, food processing, packaging, and plastics industries. He also highlighted transformative projects that are driving Lagos’ food security and industrial progress.
Among these initiatives is the Lagos Food Systems and Logistics Hub in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, a 220-hectare state-of-the-art facility designed to improve food storage, processing, and distribution. Another key project is the Imota Rice Mill, the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, which processes over 32 metric tons of rice daily, creating thousands of jobs and empowering local farmers. Additionally, the state supports Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Support programme.
The Governor pointed out that the state offers both financing and technical assistance to SMEs in agro-processing and packaging sectors.
Other significant initiatives include the Circular Economy and Waste-to-Wealth programmes, which promote plastic recycling and responsible waste disposal. Lagos is also the first state to ban single-use plastics in a bid to improve environmental health. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the exhibition for aligning with his administration’s vision of fostering an innovative and inclusive economy.
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He expressed confidence that the conference would spark meaningful discussions, innovative solutions, and new opportunities to shape the future of agribusiness, food security, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria 2025 event will feature high-level discussions, cutting-edge exhibitions, and networking opportunities, further reinforcing Lagos’ position as the leading destination for investment in Africa’s agribusiness and manufacturing sectors.
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