At the heart of every successful agricultural partnership lies a shared vision: growth that is inclusive, sustainable and rooted in trust. The recent Dutch horticulture trade mission to Nigeria demonstrated exactly that. Bringing together government leaders, private sector actors, civil society organisations, chefs, and farmers, the mission not only highlighted the strength of existing connexions between the Netherlands and Nigeria, but also the potential that lies ahead.
Beeld: Visit to potato field in Plateau state
Nigeria’s horticulture sector is developing quickly and offers real opportunities for Dutch agribusinesses. With a growing population, expanding cities and rising demand for high-quality fresh product, the market is becoming increasingly attractive for Dutch knowledge, technology and sustainable solutions.
On 28 March 2026, we concluded a five day Dutch horticulture trade mission to Nigeria with a delegation of over 20 Dutch companies and organisations. Building on the success of past trade mission, this mission was extra special. This year, the Netherlands took centre stage as Guest of Honour at the 11th edition of Agrofood Nigeria, sending a strong signal of our ongoing commitment to Dutch agribusiness engagement in the country. In addition, the programme highlighted two regions with strong potential for Dutch businesses: Plateau State in North Central Nigeria, and Southwest Nigeria.
Southwest Nigeria Highlights Opportunities at Agrofood Nigeria
The mission started in the Southwest of Nigeria which represents a commercially mature horticulture market. With strong urban demand, proximity to Lagos, and a network of market-oriented farmers, the region is already the main gateway for high- end seeds, inputs, and technologies. Here, Dutch companies and organizations have unique change to scale production, introduce technical practices, and strengthen value chains in a market that is ready for investment.
Over two days in Lagos, Dutch companies and organizations presented their innovations to Nigerian stakeholders at the Agrofood Nigeria, an international trade fair focused on agriculture, food processing, packaging, and related technologies. With 137 exhibitors from 17 countries, this 11th edition was the most internationally attended in the fair’s history. As Guest of Honour, the Netherlands played a central role in showcasing advanced horticultural and greenhouse solutions, drawing considerable attention from Nigerian buyers, investors, and government representatives, including through guided tours of the Dutch Pavilion.
Beeld: Opening of the Dutch Pavilion by ambassador Bengt van Loosdrecht at the Agrofood Nigeria
The programme combined exhibition activities with targeted knowledge exchange. Workshops on public-private partnerships, horticultural seedling opportunities, and a proposed Centre of Excellence for Horticulture supported sector development. The delegation also extended its visit to Southwest Nigeria with a stop at Skyway Aviation Handling Company to explore quality controlled logistics.
Beeld: Visit to Skyway Aviation Handling Company focusing on controlled handling and storage of agricultural inputs and fresh produce
The programme concluded with business-to-business meetings and the Agropreneur of the Year Award Ceremony, a networking reception celebrating agricultural entrepreneurship in Nigeria. The visit to bustling Lagos wrapped up with an African Flavour Dinner featuring Chef Tucker, connecting Dutch horticulture companies with Nigeria’s culinary sector and strengthening the link between production and market demand.
Congratulations Oluwaseun Obadan, founder of Arso Farm Ltd. Very well deserved and we are excited to work with you this year!
Beeld: Agropreneur of the year award to presented by the Consul General Michel Deelen to winner Oluwaseun Obadan
Plateau Horticulture Festival Brands the Northern Central Region's Potential
After several fruitful and inspiring days in Lagos, the delegation flew to Jos, Plateau State, to participate in the Plateau Horticulture Festival and explore horticulture opportunities in North Central Nigeria. Plateau State, with its cool highland climate and fertile soils, is home to Africa’s largest contiguous potato production area. Beyond potatoes, the region offers opportunities across vegetables, grains, soft fruits, and flowers, as well as in inputs, mechanization, cold storage, and value chain development.
Hosted by the Plateau State Government, the Plateau Horticulture Festival brought together key stakeholders and included field visits to local fruit, vegetable, and potato farms, showcasing the state’s potential and future outlook for horticulture. These visits highlighted the government’s ambition to further develop the sector, particularly in potatoes and vegetables.
Beeld: Cultural welcome at Yakubu Gowon Airport in Jos, Plateau State
“To Hon. Commissioner Bugama: the commitment of your government to this sector is visible. It is visible in this festival. It is visible in the farmers who have shown up today. And it gives us confidence that the investment Dutch companies make here will be on solid ground. To the Dutch companies travelling with me: I encourage you be open, be clear, and be patient. The opportunity here is real. And the people in this room are the people who will help you unlock it. To the farmers of Plateau State: you are the reason we are all here. Everything we discuss today varieties, business models, seed systems, investment is in service of one goal: that you can produce more, earn more, and build something lasting for the next generation”.
Beeld: Exploring cooperatives and companies at the Plateau Horticulture Festival 2026
The mission concluded with a high-level lunch with the H.E. Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State. The Governor reaffirmed and affirmed the Plateau State government's strong commitment to supporting private sector development in the horticulture and potato value chain a clear political signal of the enabling environment that the state is working to build for Dutch investment and partnership.
Beeld: Courtesy call with H.E. Caleb Mutfwang, Governor of Plateau State
Want to know more?
Interested in doing business in Nigeria or learning more? The agricultural team together with the colleagues in The Hague will continue to work on the horticulture sector. Feel free to contact us via lag-lvvn@minbuza.nl.