Press release
Minister McConalogue leads key strategic business engagements in Nigeria during West Africa Trade Mission
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, today led a number of key business networking events in Lagos, Nigeria, today as part of the Trade Mission to West Africa.
Launching the 'Friends of Ireland in Nigeria', an initiative of the Irish Embassy, the Minister underlined the government's commitment to enhancing economic and people to people relationships with Nigeria. He noted that:
"The Friends of Ireland in Nigeria will bring people together to partner on a range of interests, including business networking, generating contacts and information that is invaluable to companies looking to understand what is required to succeed in doing business in Nigeria."
The Minister attended a series of meetings organised by Bord Bia with representatives of leading Irish and Nigerian drinks, seafood and dairy companies. During these meetings he engaged with them on the current trends and demands on Nigerian market to better understand how Ireland's high quality, safe and sustainable agri-food sector can support these partners. The Minister also undertook media engagements with Nigerian media to communicate Irelands message of trade and cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister also hosted a Trade Reception for a wide range of Nigerian customers for Irish food and drink products and a number of their Irish suppliers as well leading figures in the Nigerian business community. Minister McConalogue commented that:
"During my visit I have seen first-hand the range of economic opportunities for Irish and Nigerian businesses, in particular for dairy, seafood and beverage sectors. I believe the high quality food and drinks produced by Irish farmers, fishers and processors are well placed to meet growing demand in Nigeria."
Jim O’Toole, CEO of Bord Bia commented:
“West Africa is a market which presents significant opportunities for Irish drinks, seafood and dairy companies and particularly Nigeria, with a growing middle class who have increased purchasing power. From our engagements with customers this week, it is positive to see that there is a strong demand for top quality products from Irish food and drink companies. Over the coming months, Bord Bia’s office in Lagos will continue to work on converting all of the business leads made here this week.”
The Trade Mission continues on Wednesday with the Minister hosting an Enterprise Ireland Agri-Innovation even, further engagement with Nigerian agri-food leaders and support the launch of the Bord Bia Spirit of Ireland promotion in West Africa.