By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria risks undermining food security and economic growth as the federal government invests only 1.4 percent of its annual budget in agriculture, says Prince Joseph Samuel, chairman of Origin Tech Group.
He said the agric budgetary provision is far below the 10 percent target under the Maputo Declaration.
Speaking during the 25th anniversary of his company, Prince Samuel warned that the sector faces structural bottlenecks, including limited mechanisation, low productivity, and underdeveloped arable land, all of which hinder modern farming practices.
He noted that while the federal government imported 2,000 tractors, deployment to smallholder farmers remains minimal, with many units allocated to colleges and universities rather than private farms.
“The challenge is not just funding. It is also how to make resources work effectively for farmers, especially as Gen Z and younger entrepreneurs look to high-tech and mechanised farming,” Samuel said.
He highlighted the critical role of private sector participation, urging collaboration with state governments to build logistics hubs, agro-processing centres, and commercial linkages that can turn mechanised agriculture into profitable ventures.
Human capital development is also key, he added, pointing out that agriculture now requires skills in mechanical, electrical, civil, and energy engineering to manage modern farms and infrastructure.
Prince Samuel recommended that the National Assembly increase the agriculture budget, retool universities and colleges of agriculture, and ensure the Bank of Agriculture attracts private investment to strengthen sectoral growth and food security.
