The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu, has called for the adoption of mechanised and digital farming, describing it as essential for boosting productivity, ensuring food security, and unlocking Nigeria’s full agricultural potential.
In his speech at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Edition of the Farm, Food and Allied Technology Expo 2025 in Abuja on Monday, Obegolu described agriculture as a vital pillar of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. However, he said productivity levels remain far below their potential.
“Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains a vital pillar of our economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. Yet, we are aware that our productivity levels are still far below potential.
The path forward is clear — we must embrace mechanised farming, digital agriculture, and sustainable value-chain practices,” he said.
Obegolu, represented by ACCI Vice President of Agriculture, ACCI, Mr Olasetemi Thompson, emphasised that adopting modern technology and mechanisation would not only boost efficiency and large-scale production but also help mitigate challenges such as insecurity and limited access to arable land.
He noted that the chamber views technology as the new tractor capable of driving growth, efficiency, and competitiveness across the agricultural value chain.
“At ACCI, we believe that technology is the new tractor — it drives growth, efficiency, and competitiveness. Mechanisation enables large-scale production, reduces labour intensity, and enhances efficiency across the entire value chain,” Obegolu stated.
He stressed that achieving true food security goes beyond ensuring food availability to also guaranteeing access, nutrition, and sustainability.
Obegolu described the Expo as more than just an exhibition, calling it a movement toward food sufficiency and sovereignty. He charged both government and private stakeholders to revive the ‘Food First’ philosophy and make food production a national priority.
He urged participants to use the event to forge new partnerships and investments capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Speaking also at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the theme of the Expo — “Agricultural Transformation: Achieving Food Security through Innovative Technologies” — as timely and aligned with the government’s National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy.
Ogunbiyi, represented by the Director, Federal Food and Drug Authority, Alhaji Musa, said the ministry is rebuilding the link between research, science, and technology to equip farmers with agritech skills and modern solutions to enhance productivity.
He disclosed that the Bank of Agriculture had been recapitalised with N1.5tn to expand access to affordable credit, while efforts were ongoing to strengthen the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation to provide insurance cover and de-risk agricultural investments.
“There has been unprecedented and unwavering commitment on the part of the Federal Government in agricultural finance, which has seen the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture to the tune of N1.5tn to ensure that agriculture is adequately financed.
“We also remain resolute in ensuring sustainable access to affordable credit, including unlocking funding from commercial banks for smallholder farmers,” he said.
Ogunbiyi highlighted government initiatives including the launch of 2,000 tractors by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the adoption of improved seeds and irrigation systems, and the promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices.
He added that investments in rural roads, storage facilities, and markets were being prioritised to improve efficiency across the agricultural value chain.
Commending the ACCI, Autodex Nigeria Limited, and partners for organising the Expo, Ogunbiyi said such platforms were crucial for fostering dialogue, innovation, and private sector participation.
He expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among the government, private sector, and development partners would accelerate agricultural transformation and ensure food sufficiency in Nigeria.
Chairman of the FARMFATECH Expo Planning Committee, Mr Tony Ejinkeoye, stated that agriculture remains the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, livelihoods, and exports.
Ejinkeoye noted that challenges such as climate change, post-harvest losses, limited access to finance, and outdated practices continue to limit the sector’s potential.
“This Expo exists to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, between the farm and the market, and between policy and practice. It underscores the commitment to a modern, productive, and resilient agricultural sector,” he said.
The Expo features state-of-the-art agri-tech solutions, smart mechanisation tools, renewable energy systems for farms, and financial instruments designed to empower farmers, innovators, and agro-entrepreneurs across the value chain.
