aitf2026

AgroMeqa Expo 2026: ACCI Stakeholders Call for Agro-Processing, Mechanisation to Boost Export Growth

By Peace Ezeocha October 16, 2026

October 16, 2026

The second day of the maiden AgroMeqa Expo 2026 featured renewed calls for increased investment in agro-processing, packaging, value addition and agricultural mechanisation as key drivers of Nigeria’s agricultural development and export competitiveness.

The day’s activities opened with a recap of the first day’s proceedings by Mrs Olayemi John-Mensah, ACCI Media and Strategy Officer, ahead of a panel session on “Agro-Processing, Packaging and Value Addition: Moving from Raw Commodities to Export-Ready Products.” Panellists examined the challenges confronting farmers and agribusiness operators, highlighting the need to strengthen processing capacity, improve infrastructure, expand access to funding and enhance the quality of agricultural products for export markets.

The 2nd Deputy President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Dr Aliyu Idi Hong, encouraged farmers and other agricultural stakeholders not to be discouraged by the challenges facing the sector, particularly inadequate infrastructure and funding constraints.

He urged them to remain resilient and committed to their businesses while calling for sustained efforts to unlock the sector’s vast potential. Dr Hong subsequently led a tour of the exhibition stands alongside other dignitaries.

The panel featured Dr Thomas Olugbenga Arokoyo, Executive Consultant, Garvent Consult; Dr Godwin Ukel, Chairman, ACCI Agriculture Trade Group; Dr Tinuke Temitope Ariyo, ACCI Deputy Director General; and Mr Adekunle Obatimehin of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). The session was moderated by Mr Imoh, a member of the AgroMeqa Planning Committee.

A major highlight of the second day was the presentation of AgroMeqa Fund awards to two beneficiaries, Topaz Farm and Temmod Microwave Popcorn, who each received ₦200,000 to support their agricultural and agribusiness activities. The event also featured a raffle draw in which 10 winners received bags of rice and yam, adding excitement to the closing activities.

The ACCI Director General, Mr Agbaidu Jideani, emphasised the importance of agricultural mechanisation in transforming the sector and urged the government to intensify support for mechanised farming. He noted that improved access to modern agricultural equipment and technology would help boost productivity, strengthen food production and advance the development of Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.

In his closing remarks, the Vice President of Agriculture, ACCI, and Chairman of JMT Plus Farms, Dr Olasetemi Bode Thompson, who convened the Expo, expressed appreciation to the Minister of Livestock Development, the ACCI leadership led by its President, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, participants, sponsors, stakeholders, members of the diplomatic community and exhibitors for supporting the maiden edition.

He commended the planning committee and the entire team for their dedication, while giving thanks to God for the success of the event.
The proceedings concluded with the presentation of the draft AgroMeqa Expo 2026 communique by Mrs Amina Abdullahi Samuel, ACCI Assistant Media Officer.

The two-day Expo, themed “Technology and Investment for Agro-Export,” provided a platform for stakeholders to explore practical strategies for strengthening agricultural value chains, attracting investment and positioning Nigerian agricultural products for greater competitiveness in domestic and international markets.