The 2024 China Commodities Expo-Nigeria (CCE) organised by Shandong Zhenghe International Exhibition Co., Ltd. (Brightway International), opened on November 5 at the Landmark Center, Lagos.
The event, running through November 8, was a multi-faceted exhibition aimed at fostering Nigeria-China trade relations, with a significant focus on agricultural innovation.
Designed as a comprehensive showcase of Chinese technology and commodities, the expo provided Nigerian farmers, agribusinesses, and industry stakeholders with tools and insights to modernise and upscale their operations.
Background and key attendees
The expo comes at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking to revitalise its agricultural sector to meet growing food demands and reduce reliance on imports. With China as Nigeria’s second-largest trading partner in Africa, particularly in agriculture, this event emphasises the importance of collaboration between the two countries.
Previous editions have also focused on machinery and technology to support sustainable development, a recurring theme that resonates with Nigeria’s goals of enhancing food security and agricultural productivity.
The event attracted a diverse audience of Nigerian farmers, agribusiness leaders, students, and industry experts, eager to explore new technology.
VIP attendees included Chinese and Nigerian dignitaries, with the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, honourably represented. Representatives from Nigerian and Chinese commerce and industry chambers, such as Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Nigerian Private Sector Promotion Center, and Chief Niyi Oshiyemi, President of the Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, added significant value through their insights on economic partnerships.
The opening ceremony, chaired by Han Bei, Chairman of Shandong Zhenghe International Exhibition Co., Ltd., began with brief introductions and greetings between Chinese and Nigerian delegates.
Speeches by esteemed guests emphasised the importance of cross-continental collaboration in the sector:
- Jin Mingyu, Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, highlighted China’s commitment to supporting Nigerian agriculture through advanced, affordable technology.
- Zhu Shuhai, Director at the Ministry of Commerce, and Zhao Mingquan, from the Chongqing Municipal Culture and Tourism Development Committee, both echoed China’s support for sustainable agriculture in Nigeria.
- Dr. Muda Yusuf spoke passionately about the role of the private sector in fostering innovation in Nigerian agriculture, stressing the importance of public-private partnerships.
- Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the ongoing China-Nigeria relationship and emphasised how the exhibition aligns with Lagos State’s developmental goals.
The highlight of the ceremony was the ribbon-cutting, symbolising the launch of collaborative ventures between Nigerian and Chinese stakeholders. A guided tour followed suit and attendees observed product displays and technological demonstrations.
Showcase of innovative agri-tech solutions
Throughout the exhibition, Chinese companies displayed machinery, greenhouse technology, irrigation systems, and seed varieties. These innovations directly address the needs of Nigerian farmers and include solutions such as:
- Agricultural machinery – tractors, tillers, and mills designed for small to mid-sized African farms.
- Greenhouse technology – climate-controlled and hydroponic systems to support year-round crop production, particularly in vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.
- Irrigation systems – advanced drip and sprinkler technologies for water-efficient farming, crucial for regions with limited water access.
- Precision agriculture tools – GPS-enabled devices for soil monitoring and data analytics, aiding Nigerian farmers in efficient resource management and increased productivity.
The expo also highlighted renewable energy solutions, including solar-powered irrigation pumps and post-harvest processing equipment, which could revolutionise rural farming by reducing losses and improving profitability.
Some impressive agricultural machinery that our correspondent on ground spotted are:
- A 6FTF mid-scale wheat flour mill from Kingoal Milling.
- The 4 and 10 single-type corn milling production lines from Haiyun Grain Machinery
- Walking tractors from Dongying WenTao Automobile Trade Co.
- Single oil press machines with processing capacity ranging from 1.3 – 20TPD from Sichuan Guangxin Machinery of Grain and Oil Processing Co.
- Floating Fish Feed Machine from Hexie Group.
- Maize flour mill plants ranging from 20-80 tons from Shandong Xingfeng Flour Machinery Company Limited.
Outcomes and Impact
The expo sparked significant interest in partnerships and potential trade deals, fostering connections between Nigerian businesses and Chinese suppliers. The event is expected to yield several practical outcomes, from access to affordable technology to long-term collaborations in agri-tech, ultimately contributing to Nigeria’s goals of food security and agricultural self-sufficiency.
“The access to Chinese machinery here is invaluable for small-scale farmers like us. Many of these tools are exactly what we need to increase yield and reduce our labour costs,” one attendee remarked.
Another participant told this publication that seeing the solar-powered equipment on offer is inspirational. He commented that the unreliable electricity supply in the country makes these tools a game-changer for farmers and business owners.
“It’s collaborations like these that pave the way for a prosperous agricultural sector in Nigeria. We have to seize these opportunities to drive progress,” Dr. Yusuf said, capturing the essence of the event.
Conclusion
CCE 2024 emphasised the importance of technological adaptation in Nigerian agriculture. With a wealth of new connections, product insights, and collaborative ventures, Nigerian stakeholders left the expo with practical tools and knowledge to implement in their operations. The success of this year’s expo points toward its return in 2025, where organizers hope to expand its scope and impact further, continuing the momentum toward agricultural modernisation in Nigeria.
