By ABAH ADAH, Abuja
The need to key into the opportunities provided by Cold Chain Technology in saving perishable goods, especially farm produce, from perishing and to promote agribusiness for food security, nutrition security, employment, wealth creation, poverty reduction, and income generation has been stressed.
Speaking at the 6th West Africa Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition March 26, 2024, the President, Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA), Alexander Isong, said the cold chain, with its intricate network of refrigeration and storage facilities, plays a pivotal role in ensuring the quality and safety of perishable goods, from farm to market.
He recalled that over the years, the organisation, OTACCWA, has been at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence in cold chain technology across Nigeria and west Africa by extension, and through its collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, has witnessed tremendous growth and development, paving the way for efficient and sustainable future.
“Over the years, our organization has been steadfast in its commitment to advancing cold chain technologies and practices across the region. We have worked tirelessly to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international partners to address the challenges and harness the opportunities inherent in the cold chain sector,” he said.
Stakeholders at the 9th edition of the agrofood and plastprintpack international exhibition & conference organised by the Fairtrade Messe in conjunction with the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa (OTACCWA) agreed on Agribusiness and preservation of goods in-and-out of season is the way forward.
The conference which was held at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos had over 140 world class exhibitors from across the globe to showcase tailored products and solutions for the Nigerian market.
The managing director of Fairtrade Messe, Paul Maerz, the organiser in his welcome address, said that with each passing edition their commitment to excellence has only grown stronger and that the organisers are proud to present the elevated standards set for this year’s event.
He said that the 9th Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria expands into three halls for the first time, solidifying its position as the largest gathering yet, that what lies ahead is a testament to their dedication to delivering an unparalleled experience, surpassing previous benchmarks in every aspect.
He said that Nigeria’s investments in food & packaging technology are soaring, positioning the nation as a key player in Africa, trailing only South Africa and leading before Egypt.
“As we gather here, we embark on a journey fueled by innovation, collaboration, and shared aspirations for the advancement of Nigeria’s agrofood and plastics industries. With each passing edition, our commitment to excellence has only grown stronger, and we are proud to present the elevated standards set for this year’s event.
Maerz, noted that despite significant investments in local food production, Nigeria remains one of Africa’s foremost food importers and that food imports are surging further.
Also speaking, the Ambassador of The Netherlands to Nigeria, Wouter Plomp, said that the Netherlands, though a small nation, has a long and proud history in agriculture.
He said as partners and through a joint vision the Netherlands and Nigeria recognize that the agriculture sector is one of the most prominent drivers for economic growth in the country.
Among other dignitaries that spoke was Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who opined that a situation whereby farmers get loan at an interest of 25 percent would not help the country’s effort at achieving food security, even as he stressed the need to engage the youth in agribusiness as a way of creating employment and boosting food security.