The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Emeka Obegolu, has reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s food security agenda through sustained agricultural mechanisation and innovation.

Obegolu, who made the remark in Abuja at a press briefing to announce the second edition of the Farm, Food and Allied Technologies Expo 2025, said the chamber, in collaboration with its partners, will leverage the event to showcase innovative mechanised solutions, attract investments, and promote technology-driven growth across the agricultural value chain. The three-day expo is scheduled to hold from November 10 to 12, 2025, at the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Represented by the Director-General of ACCI, Mr Agabaidu Jideani, Obegolu said Nigeria was yet to attain full food sufficiency but noted that the adoption of mechanised farming practices remained the most viable path toward achieving sustainable productivity.

“We don’t have food security yet, but we are moving towards it,” he said.

 “Mechanisation enables large-scale production—what one or two people could do manually can now be multiplied several times through technology. That’s the major focus of this initiative.”

He noted that mechanised agriculture would not only improve yields and production but also help address the challenges arising from the persistent farmer-herder conflicts that have discouraged many from cultivating their lands.

“We are aware of the security concerns that make farming difficult in some areas. Mechanisation helps fill that gap by allowing production to continue efficiently and safely. That’s what we are working towards,” he added. Chief Obegolu also recalled the Food First Philosophy introduced during the Babangida administration, stressing that Nigeria must once again make food production a national priority.

“Our passion for the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector is at the heart of this expo,” he said. “It is not just about growing food; it is about growing opportunities. FARMFATECH 2025 will enhance productivity, strengthen food security, and create employment across the agricultural value chain.”

He expressed concern over Nigeria’s high rate of child malnutrition, noting that millions of children suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition. “We must produce food first,” Obegolu said. “Nigeria ranks among the highest globally in child stunting, and that must change. The federal government’s restructuring of the agricultural sector into agriculture and livestock development is a welcome step, as it focuses on key nutritional needs such as milk, eggs, and other protein-rich foods.”

According to him, FARMFATECH underscores the importance of mechanisation and innovation in achieving not only food security but also food sovereignty—Nigeria’s independence in agricultural production and input supply.

“We must reach a point where we no longer depend on external sources for seeds and other critical inputs. Food sovereignty is our goal, and though we are not there yet, we are making steady progress,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Autodex Nigeria Ltd, Prince Tony Ifeakandu, said his company was driving innovation in Nigeria’s mechanisation ecosystem through the development of hybrid combustion and electric vehicles, including tricycles, motorbikes, and utility vehicles supported by a growing network of charging and battery-swap infrastructure.

Ifeakandu emphasised that efficient and clean-energy mobility solutions were key to strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural backbone and ensuring reliable field-to-market logistics.

“Nigeria’s farmers are hardworking and capable. Our role is to empower them with efficient machinery and clean-energy mobility solutions that reduce costs, improve yields, and accelerate market access,” he explained.

He added that the company’s mission aligned with the broader national goal of achieving a food-secure Nigeria powered by innovation and sustainable technology. “We want farmers to produce more, move faster, and earn better. A food-secure Nigeria must be powered by innovation,” Ifeakandu concluded.

The FARMFATECH Expo 2025 is expected to attract local and international participants, showcasing modern agricultural technologies, machinery, and sustainable practices that can transform Nigeria’s food systems and strengthen its economy.