Akwa Ibom to Host 4th Agribusiness International Conference on Food Security

News in brief:

-The 4th Agribusiness International Conference in Akwa Ibom will bring together farmers, policymakers, and investors to discuss climate change, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices.

-Key highlights include the launch of a new agricultural innovation centre, the Climate Smart Village Programme, and recognition of innovators through the Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award.

At a time when food prices are rising and Nigerian farmers are grappling with the twin pressures of climate change and economic uncertainty, Akwa Ibom State is stepping into the spotlight. The state will host the 4th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference, a gathering designed to explore practical solutions for food security and sustainable farming.

With the theme Resilient Agribusiness: A Sustainable Solution for a Changing World, the conference will bring together policymakers, investors, researchers, farmers, and development partners to discuss new strategies that can strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural systems against climate shocks and global market disruptions.

Major Highlights of the Conference

Organisers have described this year’s edition as historic. According to Howard Usen, South South Zonal Coordinator of the National Association of Agricultural Development Institutions (NAADI) and Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, the conference is more than a talk shop. It will feature:

• Groundbreaking of the Centre for Innovative and Sustainable Agriculture (CISA): A new hub dedicated to adding value to locally produced crops and promoting exports.
• Launch of the Climate Smart Village Programme (CSV-P): An initiative designed to help farmers adopt practices that reduce risks from erratic rainfall, drought, and other climate change impacts.
• Inauguration of NAADI chapters across Nigeria: Strengthening collaboration between agricultural institutions nationwide.
• Agribusiness Development and Enterprise Award (ADEA): Recognising individuals and organisations pioneering innovative solutions in food security, rural development, and job creation.

The event, scheduled from Sunday, October 26, to Wednesday, October 29, 2025, will also include exhibitions, agro-tourism sessions, workshops, and a gala night celebrating agricultural innovation.

A Platform for Nigerian Farmers

For many smallholder farmers in Nigeria, access to knowledge, modern tools, and markets has remained a challenge. Organisers say this conference is structured to bridge that gap. Local farmers will interact directly with international experts, agritech firms, and financiers, gaining insights into mechanisation, value chain development, and digital solutions that can be applied on Nigerian soil.

“This conference is coming at a time when the world is grappling with climate change, food insecurity, and shrinking economic opportunities,” Usen said. “It is timely that Akwa Ibom State is opening its doors to showcase resilient agribusiness models and attract critical investment into the sector.”

Positioning Agriculture as an Economic Driver

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has repeatedly stressed that agriculture is a central pillar of his ARISE Agenda. By hosting the conference, the state hopes to position itself as a hub for agribusiness in Nigeria’s South East and South South, while reducing overreliance on oil revenue.

The proposed CISA centre is expected to play a critical role in boosting Nigeria’s agricultural exports by providing processing and packaging solutions that meet global standards. Stakeholders also see it as an opportunity to create jobs and build stronger value chains in crops such as cassava, rice, and oil palm.

Looking Beyond Food Security

More than just ensuring Nigerians have food on their tables, the conference aims to show how agriculture can build an economy that provides jobs, attracts investment, and creates long-term sustainability.

“We are looking at a future where agriculture is not just about feeding ourselves, but about building an economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and ensures food sufficiency for Nigeria,” Usen stressed.

With farmers producing over 90% of Nigeria’s food, the conversations and solutions from this gathering are expected to ripple across the country. For many, it represents an important step in making agriculture not just a tradition, but a resilient pathway to national growth.