Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed Lagos State’s position as Africa’s leading hub for agribusiness, industrialization, and sustainable food packaging, urging investors and stakeholders to seize the moment to form strategic partnerships and drive sustainable growth in the agro-processing and packaging sectors.
He made the declaration on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the 10th Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria Conference and Exhibition held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his keynote address delivered by the Secretary to the Government of Lagos State, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, highlighted Nigeria’s projected emergence as Africa’s largest consumer market by 2050, noting that the conference is significant in shaping the nation’s future.
He said, “This platform is not just an exhibition – it is a catalyst for innovation, technology, and investment in agro-processing, food production, packaging, and plastics. Lagos remains the commercial and economic nerve centre of Nigeria and West Africa, and as of today, it is the second-largest economy in Africa”.
Mr. Governor added that Lagos remains strategic in agribusiness in view of the state’s vibrant consumer market, expanding industrial base, and ongoing infrastructural developments that support food processing and sustainable packaging solutions. “Lagos is a sweet place to invest, and we are committed to creating an enabling environment that attracts both local and foreign investors”, he said.
Sanwo-Olu highlighted key initiatives under the state’s THEMES Plus Developmental Agenda which prioritizes industrialization, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability. He pointed out that there are over 100 exhibitors from 15 countries, alongside key players in the agricultural, food processing, packaging, and plastics industries; as well as some of the transformative projects driving Lagos’ food security and industrial advancement.
They include Lagos Food Systems and Logistics Hub in Ketu-Ereyun, Epe, a 220-hectare state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance food storage, processing, and distribution. Imota Rice Mill, the largest in sub-Saharan Africa, processes over 32 metric tons daily, creating thousands of jobs, and empowering local farmers, the support for Small and Medium Enterprises through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the Ounje Eko Farmers’ Support programme.
According to the Governor, the state provides financing and technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises in agro-processing and packaging.
Other initiatives are the Circular Economy and Waste-to-Wealth programmes that promote plastic recycling and responsible waste disposal, positioning Lagos as the first state to ban single-use plastics for environmental health. He applauded the exhibition, which aligns with his administration’s vision of an innovative and inclusive economy.
The Governor expressed optimism that the conference would foster groundbreaking discussions, innovative solutions, and new opportunities that will shape the future of agribusiness, food security, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria and Africa.
The Agrofood and Plastprintpack Nigeria 2025 event is set to feature high-level discussions, cutting-edge exhibitions, and networking opportunities, reinforcing Lagos’ status as the premier destination for investment in Africa’s agribusiness and manufacturing sectors.