“MAN President Raises Alarm on Hunger as Agrofood Nigeria 2026 Kicks Off”

The President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Francis Meshioye, has raised the alarm over worsening food insecurity, emphasizing the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen its agro-industrial base and adopt technology-driven solutions to secure food availability and economic resilience.
MAN President Francis Meshioye stated this during his goodwill message at the ongoing Agrofood Nigeria 2026, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and international markets. Citing recent data from the World Food Programme, Meshioye noted that approximately 733 million people faced hunger globally in 2023, with Africa disproportionately affected.
“Subsistence agriculture alone is insufficient to secure Nigeria’s future,” Meshioye said. “We must adopt modern technologies, reduce post-harvest losses, and integrate industrial processing with agricultural production to create jobs, increase exports, and strengthen our economy against external shocks.”
He emphasized that massive post-harvest losses and the export of raw commodities without value addition undermine Nigeria’s agricultural potential. “Farmers must be supported to access their lands safely, improve productivity, and link seamlessly with manufacturers. By processing what we produce, we add value, create employment, and enhance foreign exchange earnings,” he added.
In line with this vision, stakeholders across government, industry, and international markets are converging in Lagos for Agrofood Nigeria 2026—an event positioned as a catalyst for agro-industrial transformation. The event is scheduled for March 24–26, 2026, at the Landmark Centre, Lagos, the three-day exhibition and conference comes at a critical juncture for Africa’s largest economy, which must urgently rethink its food systems and reposition agriculture as a driver of exports, job creation, and economic growth.
Now in its 11th edition, Agrofood Nigeria has evolved into West Africa’s leading agro-industrial platform, bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, agribusiness leaders, financiers, and global technology providers. The conference provides a unique platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing innovations in climate-smart farming, value addition, agro-processing, and supply chain management.
“Agrofood Nigeria is not just an exhibition; it is a strategic platform to transform Nigeria’s food economy,” Meshioye said. “With the right investments and partnerships, we can build a world-class, competitive food system capable of feeding the nation and contributing significantly to Africa’s food supply.”
Attendees at the event will engage in discussions on sustainable agricultural policies, industrial growth, and technological interventions designed to mitigate climate and economic risks. By fostering collaboration between farmers and manufacturers, the event aims to reduce inefficiencies, enhance local consumption, and boost Nigeria’s export potential.
MAN President Francis Meshioye, during his goodwill message at Agrofood Nigeria 2026, urges technology adoption, industrial collaboration, and value addition to combat rising food insecurity and strengthen Nigeria’s agro-industrial sector.
At Agrofood Nigeria 2026, MAN President Francis Meshioye calls for agro-industrial reforms, technology adoption, and post-harvest value addition to tackle food insecurity and transform Nigeria’s agriculture into a global competitor.