Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed Lagos as Africa’s premier hub for agribusiness, industrialization, and sustainable food packaging, urging investors and stakeholders to leverage emerging opportunities for strategic partnerships and growth in agro-processing and packaging.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 10th Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria Conference and Exhibition on Tuesday at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, the Governor, represented by the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, emphasized Nigeria’s trajectory towards becoming Africa’s largest consumer market by 2050, positioning Lagos as the focal point for transformative developments in agriculture and manufacturing.
“This conference is more than an exhibition; it is a catalyst for innovation, technology, and investment in agro-processing, food production, packaging, and plastics. As the economic nerve centre of Nigeria and West Africa, Lagos stands as Africa’s second-largest economy, driving industrial growth and market expansion,” he stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted Lagos’ strategic role in agribusiness, citing its robust consumer market, expanding industrial landscape, and infrastructure development supporting food processing and sustainable packaging.
He described Lagos as an attractive investment destination, reiterating the government’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for both local and foreign investors.
Under the THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda, which prioritizes industrialization, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability, the Governor showcased Lagos’ groundbreaking initiatives, including the Lagos Food Systems and Logistics Hub in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe—a 220-hectare facility designed to enhance food storage, processing, and distribution.
He also referenced the Imota Rice Mill, the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, processing over 32 metric tons daily, creating thousands of jobs, and empowering local farmers.
Other initiatives include support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Support Programme, which provides financing and technical assistance for agro-processing and packaging.
Additionally, Lagos is pioneering sustainability efforts with its Circular Economy and Waste-to-Wealth Programmes, promoting plastic recycling and responsible waste disposal, making it the first Nigerian state to ban single-use plastics for environmental health.
Applauding the exhibition’s alignment with his administration’s vision for an innovative and inclusive economy, the Governor expressed confidence that the conference would spark groundbreaking discussions, innovative solutions, and new investment opportunities shaping the future of agribusiness, food security, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria and across Africa.
The Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria 2025 event is set to host high-level discussions, cutting-edge exhibitions, and strategic networking opportunities, reinforcing Lagos’ reputation as Africa’s leading destination for agribusiness and manufacturing investments.
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