Chairman of Origin Tech Group, Joseph Samuel, has revealed that Nigeria has invested an average of only 1.4 percent of its annual budget in agriculture over the past nine years, far below the 10 percent minimum recommended by the Maputo Declaration.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Sunday during the 25th anniversary of his company, Samuel warned that insufficient funding threatens national growth, employment, and food security.
“Nigeria and agriculture over the last 50 years has seen ups and downs. In the 1980s, Nigeria reached up to 8.5 percent of GDP investment in agriculture. As of 2027, Nigeria reached 4.7 percent. But the challenge is not even the size of investment; the challenge is the size of the problem that impedes the development of agriculture in Nigeria,” Samuel said.
He highlighted structural issues including mechanisation, productivity, and land use. “Over time, the Nigerian population has increased, desertification is here, and globally, the competitiveness of agriculture has also been a challenge, requiring more investment. Agriculture has moved from backyard subsistence farming to intensive, high-tech farming that requires heavy investment,” he explained.
Samuel also pointed to underdeveloped arable land as a major obstacle. “Nigeria has large forests, but we don’t have enough arable land. You need to clear forests to create farmland, which requires long-term investment. This neglect over the last 30 to 40 years has added more problems. Gen Z youths are not interested in traditional agriculture; they want mechanised farming. But tractors require prepared, arable land, and most of Nigeria’s land is not ready,” he said.
Addressing government initiatives, Samuel acknowledged recent steps but stressed implementation gaps. “I have seen the current administration doing strategic works in terms of re-engineering the sector. The mechanisation hubs are supposed to support rural farmers, but when farmers farm, bringing produce to market will require private sector involvement. Subsistence farming is not the way for Nigeria,” he said.
On the importation of tractors, Samuel noted: “We need tractors. The president imported 2,000 tractors, which is commendable. But how do you deploy them? One year after import, they have not been deployed to smallholder farmers. Some tractors have gone to agricultural colleges and universities, which is a good start, but private capital must drive widespread usage.”
He also highlighted the role of states and local governments. “When federal government makes policy, most states buy in, and then local governments. Collaboration is key. For example, our partnership with Lagos State is building the largest market to attract capital to support production. Multiplying such efforts across states is necessary,” he said.
Samuel emphasised human capital as a priority for agricultural transformation. “Human resource development is number one. Agriculture today requires high-tech skills—civil, mechanical, electrical, automotive—all within agriculture. Energy is important, but without skilled manpower, even solar systems cannot be maintained. Developing people committed to land development is the biggest concern,” he said.
On budget recommendations, Samuel urged the National Assembly to prioritise agriculture: “I expect them to increase the budget to at least 4.7 percent, reprioritize colleges and universities of agriculture to retool and reskill, and ensure the Bank of Agriculture attracts private capital. With Lagos State building food logistics hubs and other private initiatives, Nigeria could see over 10 percent contribution to agriculture if funds are coordinated.”
Samuel concluded: “Agriculture in Nigeria requires consistent policy, private sector engagement, mechanisation, and human capital development. With all these in place, the country can achieve meaningful food security, employment, and national growth.”
Boluwatife Enome
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