EU-Nigeria Agribusiness platform inaugurates steering committee

The European Union-Nigeria Agribusiness Platform (EUNAP) has inaugurated a Technical Steering Committee (TSC) to expand agribusiness trade and foster investment between Nigeria and EU member states.

Mr Roland Oroh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agribusiness Register Ltd, said at the inauguration on Thursday in Abuja that the platform aims to generate an estimated 575 million euros in additional trade value for Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

Oroh noted the need for active participation from government agencies, private-sector actors, and development partners to achieve this goal.

According to him, EUNAP, funded by the European Union and managed by Agribusiness Register Ltd, will prioritise the integration of women- and youth-led agribusinesses.

He explained that EUNAP serves as a one-stop digital hub connecting agribusiness stakeholders, facilitating trade and investment, and enhancing knowledge exchange between Nigeria and the EU.

“Through digital tools and strategic partnerships, the platform aims to expand market access, enable Nigerian agribusinesses to connect with European buyers, investors, and partners, and promote trade facilitation.

“It will also provide up-to-date trade intelligence, compliance guidance, matchmaking services, agribusiness development support, training, networking opportunities, and policy engagement for key industry players,” he said.

Oroh said the TSC’s key roles include defining the platform’s direction, priorities, and policies to align with national and regional trade objectives.

“It will also review the sustainability model and recommend funding mechanisms beyond the EU grant.

“The TSC comprises key stakeholders from government, the organised private sector, and development partners, including the European Union Delegation (EUD), the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Food Security, Trade and Investment, and Budget and Economic Planning.

“Others are the Youth Sounding Board, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Agribusiness Register Ltd, and the European Business Chamber Nigeria (EUROCHAM)”.

Mr Frank Okafor, a representative of the European Union Delegation, described the platform as a crucial investment in Nigeria’s agribusiness sector.

“Our aim is to create a self-sustaining, business-led initiative that will serve as a catalyst for increased trade and investment between Nigeria and the EU.

“The platform was initially introduced at the EU-Nigeria Business Forum and has gained significant traction as part of broader EU-Africa trade expansion efforts.

“By leveraging digital trade solutions and aligning with national policies, the initiative is poised to become a key driver of economic growth in Nigeria,” he said.

Ms Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to agribusiness development in Nigeria through public-private partnerships.

She noted that Nigeria, as a priority country, stands to benefit from the initiative, which aims to strengthen agribusiness investment relations between both regions.

“The project will drive job creation, facilitate business growth, and attract foreign investment into Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

“The platform has the potential to enhance value chains, promote digitalisation, and expand trade links between Europe and Nigeria,” she said.

Mr Michael Adebiyi, Director of Agribusiness and Market Development, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security said the government is committed to positioning agribusiness as a key driver of economic growth and food security.

Adebiyi emphasised that agribusiness has the potential to ensure food security, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
NAN /Foluke Ibitomi