On March 24, the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) in Ibadan, Nigeria, served as a hub of agricultural innovation and collaboration as it hosted the second edition of the HortiFair. This remarkable event, organized by the Dutch-funded HortiNigeria program, gathered over 100 participants, including representatives from the Netherlands Consulate and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, leaders of Dutch agricultural companies, representatives of Dutch-funded programs in Nigeria, and Nigerian government officials.
Designed as a platform for fostering business-to-business linkages, the HortiFair aimed to connect Nigerian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including Olanreforward Foods, as well as entrepreneurial farmers, such as Alex Oparinde from Oyo State, with 16 of the Netherlands’ most innovative agribusinesses.
The event attracted participants from HortiNigeria’s intervention areas in Ogun, Oyo, and Lagos states, exemplifying the growing collaboration between the two nations in strengthening the horticulture sector.
The event commenced with powerful opening remarks from Inge Tenniglo, Agricultural Counsellor for Ghana and Nigeria from the Netherlands Embassy, who set an inspiring tone for the day. She emphasized the importance of partnerships and knowledge exchange in shaping the future of Nigeria’s horticulture sector.
Tenniglo encouraged participants to seize the opportunity to form meaningful connections that can drive sustainable and inclusive growth, ultimately contributing to food and nutrition security for Nigeria.
Dr. Sunday Akinyemi, representing NIHORT Executive Director Dr. Lawal Attanda, also mentioned the value of such events, pointing out that the HortiFair provides a significant platform for showcasing the institute’s innovations to a global audience.
During the launch of a 30-ton cold storage facility renovated by HortiNigeria partner Ecotutu, Mohammed Salasi Idris, HortiNigeria Program Director, shared the broader vision for the horticulture sector at the launch, noting that the aim is to modernize the value chain to further promote sustainability and encourage wider participation.
This vision was further amplified by Balliqees Salaudeen-Ibrahim, CEO of Green Republic Farms and a panelist at the event, who shared how the new cold storage facility would empower farmers to better plan, scale their businesses, and increase demand for agricultural inputs, thereby stimulating growth throughout the entire agricultural value chain.
The HortiFair showcased a rich variety of innovative products from both Nigerian and Dutch companies, including vegetable seedlings from East-West Seed and FarmHelp and Ecotutu’s advanced cooling solutions. These products represent the exciting potential of collaboration, where Dutch and Nigerian enterprises come together to strengthen the horticultural value chain.
Highlights of the event included a tour of the newly revitalized cold storage facility at NIHORT, an engaging business match-making session that facilitated dynamic exchanges between Dutch and Nigerian businesses, panel discussions that gave insights on the horticulture sector and potato industry to Dutch companies, and the presentation of awards to new HortiNigeria business champions and partners in recognition of their significant contributions to the horticulture sector.
Reflecting on the event’s success, partners from Green Development, a farming venture, and Interproducts Limited, an agro-allied company, expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with Dutch companies. These interactions were not only inspiring but also highly constructive, laying the foundation for deeper collaborations and new partnerships.
The second edition of the HortiFair marked a pivotal moment in the growing partnership between Nigeria and the Netherlands in the agriculture sector. By connecting MSMEs, farmers, and Dutch agribusinesses, the event demonstrated the shared commitment to advancing horticultural practices, improving food security, and fostering sustainable growth within Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
The HortiNigeria program (2021-2025), funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, aims to facilitate the development of a sustainable and inclusive horticulture sector that contributes to food and nutrition security in Nigeria. HortiNigeria is led by IFDC and implemented together with KIT Institute, Wageningen University and Research, and East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Foundation.
