FABWA 2024: How Nigeria Will Bridge Food Deficit

The organisers of the Food and Beverages West Africa Exhibition, a B-B Event, has said that more players especially from abroad should be attracted to the Nigerian economy so as to bridge the gap in the supply of food and beverages in the country and the sub-region.

Exhibition Manager,  Brad Smith, said the gap between supply and demand for food and beverages in the region remained huge and that the show was designed to attract manufacturers from across the world to connect with the local suppliers and bridge the gap.

He said the population of people in the sub-region is growing but the production of food does not align with the pace of growth hence the need for  essential commodities to be imported in bulk at better prices, to the benefit of consumers.

“That is the solution that the exhibition has always provided. It’s gratifying to visit supermarkets in Nigeria and see products from our exhibitors on the shelves. It means we are making a significant impact.

“By facilitating these connections, the exhibition not only helps to stabilize food prices but also promotes economic growth and job creation, contributing to the overall well-being of the region.

“We are dedicated to attracting more companies into the West African market to bridge the food and beverages deficit with reasonably priced products. Our mission is to connect these manufacturers to the Nigerian market through this exhibition. We have over 300 exhibitors attending this year’s event, this is significant. Some companies have recognized the immense potential here and have decided to set up plants in Nigeria, which is a positive development for the economy,” Smith said. 

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dele Kelvin Oye, who declared the event three-day event, held at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos open said the country must tap into the advantages a show like FABWA presents for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

He said foreign investment could flow into the country if the policies of the government support businesses. He said the business climate must be friendly because the influx of foreign entities at the exhibition shows that businesses around the world still believe in the opportunities in the Nigerian economy. 

Foreign exhibitors including Linc Drinks UK, Xena’s Food Group from the UK, Aachi Masala Foods India, and Candylake Nutritions Pvt. Ltd from India shared positive experiences from participating in this year’s Food & Beverage West Africa Show. They expressed a strong willingness to do business with Nigerians, highlighting the favourable business environment and the hospitality of the Nigerian people.