FG rallies stakeholders to reposition Nigeria in global fresh produce market

THE Federal Government has rallied stakeholders in the agriculture value chain to ensure Nigeria’s competitive and credible participation at Fruit Logistica 2027 in Berlin, Germany.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, made the call in Abuja at the Pre-Summit Meeting for Fruit Logistica 2027 held at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado.

Dr. Ogunbiyi stated that Fruit Logistica is the world’s leading trade fair for the fresh produce industry, covering the entire value chain from seed to sale. He noted that the fair attracts more than 2,500 exhibitors from over 90 countries and over 80,000 trade visitors annually, offering unparalleled opportunities to showcase agricultural potential, secure export partnerships, attract investment and learn from global best practices.

The permanent secretary disclosed that for three consecutive years, Nigeria’s representation was sustained through the sponsorship and organisation of the national pavilion by ABG Paulus Limited, underscoring the importance of unified national branding in advancing agricultural trade.

He stated further that African peers such as Kenya, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and Ghana have consistently maintained strong government-backed national pavilions, enabling them to secure long-term export contracts and expand their global footprint, adding that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind.

ALSO READ: Fuel subsidy return could push Naira to N4,000/$, Oyedele warns

Ogunbiyi noted that the agricultural sector contributes approximately 24 percent to national GDP and employs more than 30 percent of the labour force, yet Nigeria’s share of global agricultural exports remains below two percent, highlighting the urgency of leveraging platforms like Fruit Logistica.

He announced that Nigeria has been provisionally allocated a 120-square-metre National Pavilion at Fruit Logistica 2027, at a total cost of €145,000, subject to confirmation within the stipulated timeframe. The pavilion, the Permanent Secretary said, will serve as a unified platform for exporters, agribusinesses and government institutions to showcase products, engage international buyers and secure strategic partnerships.

He identified commodities where Nigeria holds comparative advantage to include cocoa, valued at N154.3 billion in Q2 2026 and positioning Nigeria as Africa’s second-largest producer; cashew nuts at ₦268.6 billion; sesame seeds at ₦96 billion; and ginger, prized for its high gingerol content, which commands premium demand in nutraceutical and spice markets.

Other products, according to him, include dried mango, pineapple and papaya, which are increasingly sought after for healthy snacking, alongside banana, dates, coconuts and citrus. Together, they represent Nigeria’s potential to compete globally in high-value agricultural exports.

He described the Pre-Summit as a national engagement platform for exporters, investors, commodity associations, chambers of commerce, financial institutions and development partners to explore export development, market access, investment promotion, value addition and technology transfer.

He commended the organised private sector for mobilising businesses nationwide and called for support in creating awareness, mobilising export-ready enterprises and facilitating business-to-business linkages whose participation will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural export profile and maximize trade and investment opportunities.

“This Pre-Summit is not merely a preparatory meeting; it is a launchpad for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation,” the Permanent Secretary said.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, ABG Paulas, Mr. Ambrose Okojie said that ‘’ Nigeria’s active participation at Fruit Logistica plays a pivotal role in driving national economic growth by creating direct global trade linkages for our agricultural products, this initiative directly advances the President’s vision to diversify the economy, boost non-oil exports, and elevate Nigerian produce on the world stage’’.

Okojie appealed that ‘’the Federal Government, Ministries, State Governments, and Key Industry Stakeholders across both the public and private sectors to partner with us, support, and actively sponsor Nigeria’s participation at the forthcoming Fruit Logistica 2027’’

During his welcome address, the Director, Agribusiness and Market Development Department, Mr. Ayodele Olawumi stated that ‘’ Nigeria’s agricultural sector is vast and resilient, it contributes nearly a quarter of our GDP and sustain the livelihoods of millions of households across our nation.