The Nigeria Agribusiness and Agro-Industry Development Initiative, South-South Region, and the Federation of Agricultural Commodity Associations of Nigeria are collaborating with federal ministries and the Akwa Ibom State Government to host the 5th Agribusiness Roundtable International Conference in Uyo. The event, themed "Accelerating Agribusiness Transformation: Unlocking Value Chains to Achieve Food Security, Nutrition Sustainability, Job Creation, Poverty Alleviation, and National Prosperity," aims to attract private capital and develop agro-industrial value chains.
The conference will feature an international trade pavilion, investor deal rooms, business-to-government engagements, workshops, and opportunities for farmers, agropreneurs, and researchers to connect with markets and investors. More than 500 high-level industry executives are expected to attend, alongside state governors, federal ministers, representatives of multilateral institutions, foreign ambassadors, and financial institutions. The event will take place at Ibom Hotels & Golf Resort, according to the main conference announcement.
However, another section of the release lists Watbridge Hotels & Suites, also in Uyo, as the venue. The conference's official website advertises the fifth edition and says it will bring together leaders, investors, policymakers, farmers, and financial institutions to discuss the future of agribusiness. The event comes as agriculture occupies a central position in Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda, the administration's economic blueprint.
Governor Eno's blueprint identifies "Agricultural Revolution and Rural Development" among its five core aspirations. It also calls for the development of full value chains for major economic crops through farm settlements and integrated farm systems. The state government has subsequently highlighted agriculture as part of its strategy for food security, economic diversification, and job creation.
In a 2026 Easter broadcast, Mr Eno said his administration had intensified its agricultural programme through the Ibom Model Farm, agricultural grants, and equipment leasing and farm inputs. He also announced plans for an oil palm programme involving 620,000 seedlings. The state government earlier said the Ibom Model Farm, developed in collaboration with Songhai Farms, was expected to contribute to food security and create jobs.
The Uyo conference provides a platform for the state to present its agricultural assets, farming initiatives, and potential investment opportunities to businesses and financiers. For Akwa Ibom, the potential economic gains extend beyond primary farming if investment is channelled into processing, storage, transportation, packaging, and export infrastructure. Such linkages could create employment across the agricultural value chain while expanding markets for farmers.
Key points
- The conference aims to attract private capital and develop agro-industrial value chains.
- The event will feature an international trade pavilion, investor deal rooms, and business-to-government engagements.
- The conference is part of Governor Umo Eno's ARISE Agenda, focusing on agricultural revolution and rural development.
