In a bold step to reshape Nigeria’s food system and national development model, the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria (NOAN) has launched a major advocacy and innovation drive from Lagos — Africa’s most populous city and Nigeria’s economic nerve center.
At the opening of its Technical Workshop, Organic Fair, and Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at El Al Hotel in Ikeja, NOAN President Jude Obi described the gathering as a rallying point for the “very few” who passionately believe in healthier, more sustainable ways of growing and consuming food — and who are now determined to spark a national shift.
Themed “Innovative Organic Food Systems for Sustainable National Development,” the event brings together key policymakers, development experts, researchers, farmers, and corporate stakeholders. Speakers include Dr. David Amudavi of Biovision Africa Trust in Kenya and Prof. I.O.O. Aiyelaagbe of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.
“Lagos represents not just population, but market power, policy influence, and a launchpad for change,” Obi said. “By planting the roots of organic agriculture in this city, we signal our readiness to reimagine Nigeria’s food and nutrition system.”
He warned of worsening national crises: poverty, strange illnesses, malnutrition, and environmental degradation, arguing that organic agriculture and agroecology are Nigeria’s best-kept secrets to fight these threats head-on.
Panel sessions are exploring how to empower smallholder farmers, create market opportunities, develop urban organic farming systems, and advocate supportive policies.
With support from international donors like Biovision Africa Trust, GIZ, and ECOWAS, NOAN is also driving regional capacity building as the designated West African Secretariat for Ecological Organic Agriculture.
Obi emphasized that organic agriculture is not a niche trend, but a life-saving and future-proof system grounded in health, ecology, fairness, and care.
“This is not just about farming — it’s about transforming our national priorities, empowering the grassroots, and reclaiming food sovereignty,” he said.
The event continues through the week with technical sessions, product exhibitions, and collaborative strategy meetings aimed at scaling innovation and influence across Nigeria and West Africa.