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By Anthony Maliki, Abuja
The Federal Government says it is rebuilding connection between research, science, and technologies to establish modern systems that allow Nigerian farmers to access Agritech skills and use of innovative solutions to improve productivity in the entire agricultural value chain.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, made the disclosure in an address at the opening of the 2nd Edition of Farm, Food and Allied Technologies Expo (FARMFATECH), in Abuja on Monday.
Represented by Alhaji Abubakar Musa, Director, Federal Food and Drug Authority, the Permanent Secretary said, notably, resources are allocated to encourage investment in Agricultural Infrastructure.
“These include in rural roads, production, storage facilities, and markets to improve the efficiency and productivity of our agricultural sector,” he said.
Dr. Ogunbiyi pointed out that growing the agricultural sector has remained a cardinal objective of the Federal Government, particularly deriving from its strategic value and role.
He said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is very consistent with Digitalization, technology and innovation in agriculture and agribusiness and at present running her operations on the policy tagged National Agricultural Technology and innovation Policy (NATIP).
Dr. Ogunbiyi stressed that the theme of this year’s FARMFATECH, “Agricultural Transformation: Achieving Food Security through Innovative Technologies” is not only apt and timely but also desirable for enhancing the current capacity and growth in the agricultural sector, non-oil exports, and infrastructural development which is topmost on the agenda of the Ministry.
“Engagements and constructive dialogue stand as a critical component of our methodical and holistic efforts at charting a new course for the conceivable future of Nigeria’s agriculture of ensuring food and nutrition security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development,” he explained.
He commended the leadership and the entire Management of Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Autodex Nigeria Limited for the noble efforts and initiative, as well as Afreximbank, other co-sponsors and supporters of the Expo in showcasing and adding to the advancement of Agriculture and Agribusiness for Trade and Investments opportunities in the country.
The Permanent Secretary said on the part of the federal government in Agricultural Finance has seen to the recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture to the tune of N1.5 trillion to ensure that agriculture is adequately financed.
The President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, PhD, represented by ACCI Vice President (Agriculture), Mr. Olasetemi Bode Thompson, noted that the event marked another milestone in the collective effort to transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape through mechanisation, innovation, and partnership.
According to him, building on the success of the maiden edition, this year’s expo reinforces our shared commitment to reposition agriculture as the bedrock of national development and food security.
“The theme of FARMFATECH 2025 speaks directly to the heart of Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda, the need to modernise our agricultural systems, strengthen food security, and expand investment in agribusiness through technology-driven solutions,” he noted.
According to him, the Expo is more than an exhibition; it is a movement toward achieving food sufficiency and food sovereignty in Nigeria. It embodies the determination of our Chamber and partners to bridge the gap between policy and practice, between local potential and global opportunity.
Chief Obegolu noted that as a Chamber, ACCI operates through over 16 sectoral trade groups, with the Agriculture Trade serving as a key driver of this initiative and it is through this platform that we have nurtured the collaboration that birthed FARMFATECH, a collaboration that continues to expand the frontiers of agricultural innovation and private sector participation.
The President said 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 stressed.
“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. It also mitigates some of the challenges posed by insecurity and limited access to arable land,” Chief Obegolu stressed.
The Acting Regional Chief Operating Officer, Head of Mission (Anglophone West Africa), Mr Alain Thierry Mbongue noted that the Bank is committed to implementing various interventions in Nigeria and across Africa and the Caribbean that address all stages of agricultural financing.
According to him, this includes project preparation facility and finance feasibility studies that will attract equity and debt financing.
The Chairman FarmFaTech Expo Planning Committee, Mr Tony Ejinkeoye, pointed out that when the maiden edition of FARMFATECH was launched, it was with a bold vision to create a platform that goes beyond exhibitions and displays — one that connects technology, finance, policy, and agribusiness into a single ecosystem that drives sustainable agricultural transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.
“Today, as we gather for this second edition, we are proud to say that FARMFATECH has grown in scope, reputation, and impact. What began as a modest initiative has become a national conversation hub, bringing together farmers, innovators, researchers, policymakers, and investors to chart a new course for agricultural productivity and food security,” he said.
The Chairman, Board of Directors of Autodex Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Ezeanymi, said last year, the firm was just beginning to make its mark producing combustible engine tricycle with about 30 percent local content as mandated by our federal government’s local manufacturing policy but have advanced to 42 percent local content.
Now, he said, Autodex have successfully transitioned to full electric tricycle vehicles, harnessing energy efficiency, protecting our environment, and providing that not just a customer of innovation, but a creator of it.
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