We must embrace mechanised farming, digital agriculture to end food shortage, malnutrition — ACCI President
…partners stakeholders on FARMFATECH Expo
By Matthew Denis
The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Chief Emeka Obegolu, has said that Nigeria must embrace mechanised farming and digital agriculture with an effective value chain mechanism to eliminate food shortages and malnutrition in the society.
He made this known during his opening remarks at the 2nd edition of the Farm, Food and Allied Technology (FARMFATECH) Expo 2025 held in Abuja on Monday.
The President, represented by the Vice President on Agriculture, Mr. Bode Olatemi Thompson, said Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains a vital pillar of the economy, contributing significantly to employment and GDP. However, productivity levels are still far below potential.
“The path forward is clear — we must embrace mechanised farming, digital agriculture, and sustainable value-chain practices. 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,” he said.
He added that food security is not just about availability but also about access, nutrition, and sustainability, noting that millions of children still suffer from malnutrition and stunted growth due to poor diets.
“This must change. That is why this year’s Expo is not only about growing food but also about growing opportunities — for farmers to scale up, for investors to participate, for innovators to thrive, and for Nigeria to feed itself sustainably,” he added.
Chief Obegolu further called for the revival of the “Food First” philosophy, making food production a national priority once again.
“A food-secure nation is a stable nation; and a nation that feeds itself earns dignity and sovereignty. Through FARMFATECH, we are not only showcasing technology but also driving conversations around policy, investment, and sustainability,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Alhaji Abubakar Musa, Director, Federal Food and Drug Authority, said the FARMFATECH theme “Agricultural Transformation: Achieving Food Security through Innovative Technologies” is timely and desirable for enhancing capacity and growth in the agricultural sector, non-oil exports, and infrastructural development.
He noted that the engagements and dialogue from the Expo form a critical component of the ministry’s holistic efforts at charting a new course for Nigeria’s agriculture towards food and nutrition security, economic prosperity, and sustainable development.
The Permanent Secretary highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural financing, noting the recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture to the tune of ₦1.5 trillion (about $1 billion USD) to ensure adequate funding for agriculture.
He added that efforts are ongoing to strengthen the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) to provide insurance cover and de-risk agricultural investments, attract credits, and develop innovative financial services for farmers.
He commended the leadership of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Autodex Nigeria Limited, as well as Afreximbank and other co-sponsors of the Expo, for their efforts in advancing agriculture and agribusiness in Nigeria.
The Chairman, Board of Directors, Autodex Nigeria Limited, Dr. Nnamdi Ezeanymi, expressed pride in the company’s progress in local manufacturing.
“Last year, we at Autodex were just beginning to make our mark producing combustible engine tricycles with about 30 percent local content. Barely a year later, we have advanced to 42 percent local content and successfully transitioned to full electric tricycles, harnessing energy efficiency, protecting our environment, and proving that we are not just consumers of innovation but creators of it,” he said.
According to him, as part of their agricultural machinery expansion, almost all the implements of their tractors are now locally fabricated in a factory at the Giri Kadesla Industrial Zone, Abuja.
“From ploughing discs to tie rods, these components are not imported replicas; they are Nigerian-built solutions meeting world-class standards. We invite everyone to join us as we build a greener, smarter, and safer future — one electric engine, one hybrid tricycle, and one locally made tractor at a time,” he added.
Also speaking, Afreximbank President, Dr. George Elombe, represented by Mr. Alain Thierry Mbongue, Acting Regional Chief Operating Officer, Head of Mission (Anglophone West Africa), said the Bank recognises agriculture as the cornerstone of Africa's development, supporting food security, job creation, industrialisation, and sustainable livelihoods.
“We prioritise agricultural financing and value chain development to enhance productivity and resilience. The Food and Agriculture Organisation has stated that global agricultural investment must rise significantly to meet the food demand for 2050, with a financing gap of approximately $150 billion annually in developing countries. Afreximbank is committed to implementing interventions across Africa and the Caribbean that address all stages of agricultural financing, including project preparation and feasibility studies to attract equity and debt financing,” he stated.