Business and Economy
ACCI Backs Technology, Investment to Drive Nigeria’s Agro-Export Growth
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has restated its commitment to agricultural development, calling for the effective adoption of technology and robust investment in agro-export to further enhance Nigeria’s economic development.
The President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, made the call in Abuja while briefing newsmen ahead of the 2026 AGROMEQA Expo.
Chief Emeka Obegolu, who was represented by the 1st Deputy President of ACCI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, said the Expo is part of ACCI’s contributions towards promoting mechanisation in agriculture to ensure food security, create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
He said AGROMEQA EXPO 2026, themed “Mechanization for Export-Quality Products in Africa,” is a landmark initiative jointly undertaken by the Agricultural Trade Group and JMT Plus Farms and Agro-Allied, in collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
According to him, the initiative is aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s agricultural sector for greater productivity, value addition, mechanisation and global export competitiveness.
He formally announced that AGROMEQA EXPO 2026 will now hold from Thursday, October 15 to Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN, Trade and Convention Centre, ACCI Complex, Km 8, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway, Airport Road, Abuja.
He explained that the adjustment of the date was made in the collective interest of the event and its stakeholders, adding that the additional time would allow participating organisations, exhibitors, investors, government institutions, development partners, farmers, researchers and other stakeholders to prepare adequately and participate fully.
According to him, the Expo will convene under the theme: “Technology and Investment for Agro-Export.”
He said the theme addresses the critical need to transform agriculture from largely subsistence-based production into a modern, technology-driven, investment-led and export-oriented sector.
“AGROMEQA EXPO 2026 is envisioned as a premier platform for promoting agricultural mechanisation, strengthening export-quality production systems, encouraging value addition, facilitating technology transfer, and attracting sustainable investments across the agribusiness value chain,” he said.
He added that the initiative reaffirms the collective commitment of the organisers and ACCI to advancing Nigeria’s national priorities on food security, economic diversification, job creation, industrial development and export-led growth.
A major highlight of the Expo, he said, will be its official declaration by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
He further disclosed that the President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, OON, mni, will deliver the keynote address on “Agricultural Export and the Role of Private Capital in Its Value Chain.”
Chief Obegolu explained that the Expo will bring together policymakers and government representatives, agribusiness investors and industry leaders, agricultural machinery manufacturers and technology providers, research institutions, academia and farmers’ associations.
Other participants will include development partners and financial institutions, agro-processors, exporters and logistics operators, as well as international organisations and other key players across the agricultural value chain.
He pointed out that the two-day event will feature exhibitions of advanced agricultural technologies, including mechanised equipment, precision farming tools, irrigation systems, agro-processing innovations, packaging solutions and climate-smart agricultural technologies.
The Expo will also feature high-level plenary sessions, technical discussions, interactive workshops, business-to-business engagements and investment forums designed to promote collaboration, mobilise capital, facilitate technology transfer and strengthen strategic partnerships.
Beyond showcasing innovations, Chief Obegolu said AGROMEQA EXPO 2026 will serve as a strategic investment marketplace connecting local producers, agritech developers, farmers, processors and agribusinesses with investors seeking opportunities in mechanisation, processing, logistics, storage, packaging and export operations.
He said a special live demonstration arena would provide participants with the opportunity to experience cutting-edge farming technologies and equipment in action.
A dedicated agro-processing and packaging platform will also highlight opportunities for local value addition and improved competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
He added that, in recognition of the importance of nurturing the next generation of agricultural innovators and entrepreneurs, the Expo will feature a Schools’ Agro Exhibition and Competition designed to stimulate interest, creativity, innovation and youth participation in agriculture.
Chief Obegolu stressed that agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic transformation, noting that the country must move beyond traditional methods and embrace mechanisation, innovation, technology, investment, research and stronger market linkages if the sector is to fully realise its enormous potential.
He emphasised that AGROMEQA EXPO 2026 represents the joint resolve of JMT Plus Farms and Agro-Allied, the Agricultural Trade Group and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry to accelerate agricultural modernisation as a pathway to national prosperity.
According to him, deepening mechanisation, encouraging innovation and mobilising strategic investments would help unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, create decent jobs, strengthen rural economies, improve food security, increase value addition and enhance the country’s competitiveness in regional and global export markets.
He expressed confidence that AGROMEQA EXPO 2026 would catalyse investment inflows, create opportunities for technology transfer, strengthen business networks and stimulate strategic collaborations capable of delivering sustainable economic value and contributing to the long-term transformation of the agricultural sector.
He therefore called on relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private sector operators, development partners, financial institutions, research institutions, farmers’ associations, international organisations and the wider agribusiness community to actively engage and participate in the event.
He said collaboration, innovation, investment and capital mobilisation remain critical to achieving sustainable agricultural transformation and positioning Nigeria as a major player in agro-export across Africa and beyond.
Chief Obegolu also appreciated the media for its long-standing partnership and support, calling for robust coverage and visibility for the initiative.
He said AGROMEQA EXPO 2026 is expected to generate impactful conversations, innovative ideas, investment opportunities and compelling stories that would contribute to shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria and Africa.
He expressed confidence that with the collective commitment of government, the private sector, development partners, farmers, innovators, investors and the media, AGROMEQA EXPO 2026 would become a flagship agricultural event, setting new benchmarks for innovation, investment facilitation, collaboration, capacity development and agro-export promotion.
For participation, partnership, sponsorship and exhibition enquiries, stakeholders are encouraged to contact the ACCI Secretariat and the event organisers.
Chief Emeka Obegolu therefore stressed the need to convert Nigeria’s agricultural potentials into meaningful development capable of repositioning the country for greatness.
He further emphasised the need for the productive utilisation of land, infrastructure, financing and agribusiness for the overall development of the country.