Germany lauds Nigeria’s agric exports, Sanwo-Olu seeks more investment

German Consul General, Weert Börner, has stated that despite food security challenges, Nigeria recorded a high agricultural trade volume in 2024, with exports surpassing imports for the first time in years.

Börner noted that although more than 30 million Nigerians faced food insecurity in 2024 due to security concerns, high costs, and climate-related disruptions, agriculture contributed 23 per cent to Nigeria’s real GDP in the fourth quarter of the year, driven by positive developments in food production and export trade.

Speaking at the official opening of the 10th Agrofood & PlastPrintPack Nigeria Conference and Exhibition at Landmark Centre, Lagos yesterday, Börner highlighted Nigeria’s strong export performance in cocoa, sesame and cashew nuts, projecting a 10 per cent growth in the food market from 2025 to 2030.

Börner reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to deepening agricultural and industrial cooperation with Nigeria, emphasising that German expertise and technology could play a vital role in modernising Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

Expressing gratitude for Germany being selected as the Guest Country of Honour, Börner said Nigeria was one of six Sub-Saharan African countries prioritised for intensified agricultural cooperation.

He stressed that Germany’s government and private sector were actively engaged in partnerships with Nigeria across political, scientific and economic spheres.

“It is about achieving food security, modernising agriculture, greening agriculture and adapting to the unavoidable impact of climate change,” he said.

In his remarks, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged local and international investors to take advantage of Lagos’ strategic position as a hub for agribusiness, food processing and industrialisation, emphasising that the state remained the country’s gateway to economic transformation.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, underscored Nigeria’s projected status as Africa’s largest consumer market by 2050, describing the event as vital for shaping the future of Lagos and the continent at large.

Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed that Lagos remained a prime investment destination due to its strategic location, expanding industrial base and vibrant consumer market.

He urged stakeholders to use the platform to foster partnerships, drive innovation and contribute to sustainable economic growth in Lagos, Nigeria and across Africa.