A trade delegation of 16 leading Dutch agribusinesses specializing in seeds, potatoes, and agricultural innovations arrived in Nigeria on March 23, 2025, for the third Netherlands-Nigeria Horticulture Trade Mission. Led by Ivo Meijer from the Municipality of Westland, the visit aims to strengthen ties with Nigerian stakeholders, explore collaboration opportunities, and contribute to the country’s growing horticulture sector.

Westland, located in the western Netherlands, is globally recognized as a hub for high-tech greenhouse horticulture. Home to the world’s largest concentration of greenhouses, the region generates over €6 billion annually and plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable food production, agritech innovations, and energy-efficient farming solutions—expertise that could support Nigeria’s agricultural transformation.
During the week-long mission, the delegation will engage with government agencies, agribusinesses, and industry leaders to exchange knowledge and explore potential partnerships.

As part of the mission, the delegation visited the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT) on March 24, in conjunction with the second edition of Hortifare 2025, organized by Horti Nigeria. Speaking at the event, NIHORT’s Executive Director, Dr. Mohammed Lawal Attanda, represented by Dr. Sunday Akinyemi Oluseyi, emphasized the critical role of research in addressing Nigeria’s food security challenges. He highlighted digitization as a fundamental driver of improved agricultural shelf life, urging farmers to adopt large-scale production.

“If the outcome of research does not translate into financial value, then it is of little impact. That is why we support research,” Dr. Akinyemi stated. “The institute serves as a platform for local and international partners to collaborate and showcase innovations. We take value addition seriously, as reflected in our diverse range of products.”

NIHORT has developed value-added products and equipment to extend the shelf life of agricultural produce, alongside improved seed varieties and pest control solutions to protect crops. Dr. Akinyemi further stressed the institute’s work with entrepreneurs in transforming raw materials into marketable products, enhancing both profitability and sustainability.

Inge Tenniglo, Agricultural Counsellor for Nigeria and Ghana at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, underscored the significance of partnerships in improving Nigeria’s food security. She commended NIHORT’s research efforts, stating, “I am impressed by the level of research being conducted at the institute. This presents an excellent opportunity for partnerships and continued innovation.”
Trade mission lead Ivo Meijer reaffirmed the shared goal of sustainable food production, saying, “We are all working toward the same objective—producing food sustainably and bringing it closer to market. Our delegation continues to drive innovation, and we see valuable opportunities for collaboration.”

Following a tour of NIHORT’s precooling station—designed to extend the shelf life of farm produce—the delegation participated in a panel discussion on challenges and partnership opportunities in the horticulture sector.

Baliquus Salaudeen-Ibrahim, CEO of Green Republic, emphasized the impact of improved technologies on large-scale farming. “Cooling storage systems will give farmers the confidence to expand production without the fear of post-harvest losses. If such facilities are available, farmers will be encouraged to scale up,” she noted.

Dr. Sunday Akinyemi highlighted the economic benefits of digitization for farmers, particularly during off-harvest seasons. “With proper storage systems, farmers can sell their produce at up to 200% profit during the off-season. These advancements go a long way in supporting farmers, and they showcase the benefits of digitization in agriculture.”

The day ended with a match making session between local farmers and the trade delegation to explore avenues for collaboration for shared prosperity and improved food security. As food security and sustainable agriculture become increasingly critical, the Netherlands continues to position itself as a key partner in developing resilient food systems through innovation and collaboration. This trade mission marks another step in strengthening Dutch-Nigerian agricultural relations and unlocking new opportunities for growth.