The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chief Emeka Obegolu, has called for the full adoption of mechanised and digital farming across Nigeria to increase productivity, ensure food security, and unlock the nation’s agricultural potential.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the second edition of the Farm, Food and Allied Technology Expo (FARMFATECH) 2025 in Abuja, Obegolu described agriculture as a vital pillar of the Nigerian economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. However, he said the sector still operates far below its productive capacity.
“The path forward is clear; we must embrace mechanised farming, digital agriculture, and sustainable value-chain practices,” he said.
Represented by the ACCI Vice President of Agriculture, Mr Olasetemi Thompson, Obegolu emphasised that integrating technology into farming would not only enhance productivity but also help address major challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and limited access to arable land.
“At ACCI, we believe that technology is the new tractor, it drives growth, efficiency, and competitiveness,” he said. “Mechanisation enables large-scale production, reduces labour intensity, and enhances efficiency across the entire value chain.”
He added that true food security goes beyond food availability to include access, nutrition, and sustainability, stressing that food production should be treated as a national priority. Describing the Expo as more than just an exhibition, Obegolu called it a movement toward food sufficiency and sovereignty.
He urged participants to seize the opportunity to forge partnerships and investments that can transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the Expo’s theme, “Agricultural Transformation: Achieving Food Security through Innovative Technologies,” aligns with the government’s National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy.
Represented by the Director of the Federal Food and Drug Authority, Alhaji Musa, Ogunbiyi said the ministry is rebuilding the link between research, science, and technology to equip farmers with agritech skills and modern tools that enhance productivity.
He disclosed that the Bank of Agriculture had been recapitalised with N1.5 trillion to expand access to affordable credit, while efforts were ongoing to strengthen the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation to provide risk protection for farmers and investors.
“There has been unprecedented and unwavering commitment on the part of the Federal Government in agricultural finance,” Ogunbiyi said. “We also remain resolute in ensuring sustainable access to affordable credit, including unlocking funding from commercial banks for smallholder farmers.”
Ogunbiyi highlighted several government interventions, including the deployment of 2,000 tractors, the adoption of improved seed varieties and irrigation systems, and the promotion of climate-resilient agricultural practices. He added that investments in rural infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities, and markets, are being prioritised to strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Commending the ACCI, Autodex Nigeria Limited, and their partners for organising the Expo, Ogunbiyi said platforms like FARMFATECH play a vital role in promoting innovation, dialogue, and private-sector collaboration.
Chairman of the Expo Planning Committee, Mr Tony Ejinkeoye, reiterated that agriculture remains the heartbeat of Nigeria’s economy but continues to face challenges such as post-harvest losses, limited financing, and outdated practices.
“This Expo exists to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, between the farm and the market, and between policy and practice,” he said.
The FARMFATECH Expo 2025 showcases cutting-edge agritech solutions, smart mechanisation tools, renewable energy systems for farms, and financial instruments designed to empower farmers, innovators, and agro-entrepreneurs.
For Nigeria’s MSMEs, especially those in agribusiness, the shift toward mechanisation and digital agriculture represents an opportunity to scale production, reduce costs, and build sustainable food systems capable of competing in regional and global markets.
