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The Nigeria International Agricultural Expo (NIAEXPO 2025) formally opened in Abuja on Tuesday, drawing widespread participation from within and outside the country and spotlighting innovation, inclusivity, and the drive towards achieving Nigeria’s 2030 agricultural vision.

Project Coordinator of the Expo and Executive Director of Agriquest Africa Network, Mr. Abiodun Olaniyi, said the seventh edition of the event was conceived to showcase Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential while creating stronger partnerships across the value chain. He noted that the fair attracted exhibitors and delegates from countries such as Indonesia, China, India, the United States, and Canada, alongside representatives from many Nigerian states.

Olaniyi explained that the expo offered a platform for both small and large-scale stakeholders to promote solutions that can address long-standing challenges in agriculture. He cited innovations introduced by local and international players ranging from sustainable farming practices to new approaches in agro-logistics. According to him, such contributions demonstrate how Nigeria can embrace creativity to overcome sectoral difficulties.

“This edition highlights Nigeria’s potential to achieve its 2030 agricultural vision through sustainable practices and inclusive participation,” he said. He also stressed that the organisers deliberately included persons with disabilities in this year’s edition to ensure inclusivity, adding that the next expo would broaden its scope and impact.

At the event, the Managing Director of Autodex Limited, Mr. Tony Ifeakandu, explained that his company unveiled a locally developed electric tricycle designed to ease the transportation burden faced by farmers. He announced that Autodex would in November host the Farm, Machinery, Food, Agro Technology Expo and Conference (FAMFATEC), which will bring together key players from agriculture, finance, and export sectors, including AfriExim Bank and U.S. Exim Bank. According to him, the upcoming conference would also address critical issues such as export financing, organic farming, genetically modified organisms, and strategies for repositioning Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

Ifeakandu observed that logistics remains one of the biggest obstacles to agricultural progress, as the high cost of moving produce directly contributes to food inflation. He said the new seven-seater electric tricycle was designed to provide a more affordable and efficient alternative to conventional vehicles, with drastically reduced maintenance and operational expenses.

Chairman of Contec Global Agro Limited (CGAL), Dr. Rohit Berry, emphasised the importance of biological farming products in boosting food security and protecting consumers from the dangers of chemical residues. He explained that such residues have historically prevented Nigerian products from gaining access to international markets. Berry disclosed that CGAL has developed 23 biological products for combating major crop diseases and established more than 250,000 demonstration farms across Nigeria, in partnership with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and with approvals from NAFDAC. He called on the Federal Government to support agro-initiatives capable of unlocking Nigeria’s vast arable land for sustainable production.

Minister of Livestock Development, Mr. Idi Maiha, represented by the Director of Technical Services in the ministry, Dr. Alike Peter, reaffirmed government’s resolve to strengthen the livestock sector and position it for global competitiveness. He explained that the newly launched Nigeria Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy (NL-GAS) harmonises existing frameworks, including the National Livestock Transformation Plan and the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee report. The NL-GAS, he said, sets out 10 growth pillars with measurable indicators, with a target of increasing the sector’s value from 32 billion dollars in 2025 to 74 billion dollars by 2035 through private sector investments and subnational partnerships.

Similarly, Executive Director of the National Cereal Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Dr. Mohammed Ishaq, highlighted research breakthroughs in rice production. He said the institute had developed new varieties to address nutrition challenges and meet ecological needs across the country. He urged stakeholders to collaborate with NCRI to license and adopt the new varieties, stressing that Nigeria’s rice production still falls short of national demand despite government’s drive for self-sufficiency.

“We must increase productivity and expand the adoption of improved seeds. NCRI is committed to driving that process,” Ishaq said, encouraging participants to take full advantage of the technologies and opportunities showcased at the expo.

The Nigeria International Agricultural Expo 2025, by spotlighting innovations and fostering inclusivity, has been positioned as a strategic platform to shape the future of the nation’s agricultural sector while strengthening global partnerships for sustainable growth.