Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Emma Okonji in Lagos
The push for Nigeria to leverage agriculture as a cornerstone of economic revival has gained fresh momentum, with private sector leaders and academic institutions aligning to drive President Bola Tinubu’s Greener Hope Agricultural Productivity Programme (GHAPP). At the heart of this collaboration is a growing consensus that transforming the agricultural sector—through innovation, mechanisation, and strategic partnerships—could unlock sustainable growth and address pressing challenges like food security and youth unemployment.
Joseph Samuel, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group Nigeria, underscored this potential during a high-level meeting with the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Adebayo Bamire. The discussions, held at Origin Tech’s headquarters, centered on forging a partnership to bolster agricultural productivity through research, technology, and capacity-building.
Samuel’s argument is rooted in demographics and economics. With Nigeria’s population projected to reach 378 million by 2050—growing at nearly 3% annually—and over 70% of citizens under 30, the demand for food and jobs will surge. Yet, the country’s agricultural output remains far below its potential, constrained by fragmented smallholder farming, poor infrastructure, and limited access to modern techniques. Large-scale commercial farming, he asserted, could bridge this gap by integrating mechanisation, irrigation, and value-chain optimisation to create jobs, reduce food imports, and stimulate rural economies.
“Agriculture is no longer just about subsistence,” Samuel noted. “It’s about building an ecosystem where farms connect seamlessly with markets, where innovation drives efficiency, and where young Nigerians see farming not as a last resort but as a viable, lucrative career.” His vision aligns with GHAPP’s objectives, which prioritise food security, export-oriented agribusiness, and climate-resilient practices.
For OAU, the partnership with Origin Tech Group presents an opportunity to translate academic research into practical solutions. Prof. Bamire, an agricultural economist, has long advocated for a return to farming as a national priority, framing it as both an economic imperative and a social stabiliser. “We cannot talk about diversifying the economy without putting agriculture at the forefront,” he said, praising Origin Tech’s focus on technology-driven farming. The collaboration could see OAU’s expertise in agronomy, agricultural engineering, and business management deployed to refine Origin Tech’s projects, from precision farming to post-harvest processing.
The implications of this alliance extend beyond the fields. If successful, it could serve as a model for public-private-academic partnerships in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, attracting investment and scaling innovations. For instance, Origin Tech’s emphasis on mechanisation could address the labour shortages plaguing rural farms, while OAU’s research might help develop drought-resistant crops or improve soil health—critical in a country where climate change threatens productivity.
Yet challenges remain. Nigeria’s agricultural sector has long struggled with inconsistent policies, inadequate funding, and weak infrastructure. The Tinubu administration’s GHAPP, still in its early phases, will need sustained commitment to overcome these hurdles. Similarly, partnerships like the one between OAU and Origin Tech must navigate bureaucratic delays and ensure that smallholder farmers—who produce over 80% of Nigeria’s food—are not left behind in the push for commercialisation.
What’s clear, however, is that the conversation around agriculture is shifting. No longer viewed merely as a fallback sector, it is increasingly recognised as a high-potential industry capable of driving GDP growth, creating millions of jobs, and reducing poverty. As Samuel put it, “The 21st century’s economic battles will be won in the fields—as much as in the factories and boardrooms.” For Nigeria, the question is whether it can mobilise the resources, expertise, and political will to turn that potential into reality.