From Oil To Soil: Why Agriculture Must Power Nigeria’s Next Economic Revolution
By STELLA JOHNSON OGBOVOVEH
SIXTY-FIVE years after independence, Nigeria still grapples with an uncomfortable truth: the nation that once fed West Africa now struggles to feed itself. Despite vast arable land, rich biodiversity, and a youthful population, agriculture — the foundation of true economic sovereignty — remains underutilized.
Experts agree that if Nigeria must reclaim control of its economic destiny, it must look inward — to the soil beneath its feet. The call is not for another policy declaration, but for bold, coordinated action to make agriculture a sustainable engine of growth, jobs, and national security.
From Rhetoric to Reform
Adebowale Onafowora, CEO of BIC Farms Concepts, argues that food security cannot thrive on promises alone. He envisions a government that acts as a “National Infrastructure Grid for Agriculture,” building irrigation networks, agro-industrial parks, and cold-chain logistics that make farming profitable year-round.
“This is not a social programme — it’s a capital investment,” he insists, urging government to open three million hectares of irrigated farmland to triple yields and reduce vulnerability to climate change.
Onafowora also presses for land tenure reforms and a single-window digital platform for land registration, making it easier for investors and farmers to access credit. Yet, he warns that without tackling insecurity in rural areas, even the best reforms will fail.
For him, the public sector must create the enabling environment, while agribusinesses drive the transformation — by adding value, embracing mechanization, and exporting finished goods rather than raw commodities.
“The path to economic independence isn’t under the sea — it’s under the soil,” he declares.
Balancing Modern Innovation with Indigenous Wisdom
Oba Dokun Thompson, the Oloni of Eti-Oni, cautions against surrendering Nigeria’s agricultural future to foreign technologies. While artificial intelligence and data-driven farming are shaping modern agriculture, he warns that “agricultural colonization” could occur if Nigeria relies too heavily on imported systems.
Instead, he calls for the revival of regenerative indigenous practices, leveraging Nigeria’s biodiversity and organic crops that fetch premium prices globally. He also highlights the potential of agricultural insurance, green bonds, and climate funds as untapped financial instruments for growth.
Private Sector: From Policy Consumers to Growth Partners
For Dr. Abiodun Onalaja, producer of Okun Rice, Nigeria’s transformation must start with smarter input distribution and investment closer to the farms. He advocates replacing blanket subsidies with targeted voucher systems, promoting accountability and efficiency.
He also emphasizes building processing plants near production zones to cut costs, reduce waste, and create rural jobs — supported by digital platforms for aggregation and market access.
“A Nigeria that feeds itself, creates agro-industrial jobs, and exports finished goods is not a dream — it’s a choice,” he says.
Scaling Up for a Hungry Nation
Agribusiness strategist Dr. Olukayode Oyeleye reminds policymakers that a population of over 200 million cannot depend on smallholder farming alone. Large-scale commercial agriculture, robust financing, and youth engagement must define the next phase of development.
He calls for political convergence across party lines, arguing that agriculture should be treated as national security policy, not partisan rhetoric. “Strong, youth-focused policies and financial tools will ensure the next generation sustains Nigeria’s food future,” he says.
Free Market and the Rise of Rural Prosperity
Meanwhile, former NPPAN President Henry Olatujoye praises the government’s market-driven approach, crediting it with stabilizing prices and improving Nigeria’s foreign exchange balance.
He notes that prices of staples like rice and garri have dropped significantly, reflecting improved domestic production. “When you allow demand and supply to determine price, farmers earn more, and imports decline,” he explains.
The Editorial Take: A National Reawakening
Nigeria’s economic liberation will not come from oil rigs or foreign aid but from its farms, silos, and factories. The future lies in agriculture as enterprise, not subsistence — powered by innovation, backed by policy, and protected by governance.
For too long, agriculture has been seen as a safety net. It must now become the launch pad for industrialisation, job creation, and national pride. The soil holds Nigeria’s second independence — this time, an economic one.
