In a revolutionary step towards redefining the future of agriculture in Nigeria, Origin Automobile Works (OAW), a subsidiary of Origin Tech Group Nigeria has launched the Corporate Farm Model Initiative to drive investment in the agricultural investment and food security.
The initiative is designed to unlock immense value across the agricultural ecosystem, empower farmers and agripreneurs, and strengthen the country’s food security drive.
Prince Samuel, executive chairman of Origin Tech Group, structural challenges in the sector have historically eroded investor confidence despite the country’s vast agricultural potential.
He explained that the initiative is designed for investors with a minimum landholding of 1,000 hectares, requiring equity contributions ranging from 20 to 50 percent, while Origin Tech Group and partner banks finance the remaining capital requirements.
According to him, investors can participate with a minimum commitment of $3 million. Samuel outlined the bold vision behind the initiative, emphasising the urgent need to transform agriculture from subsistence activity into a structured, value-driven and commercially viable industry.
“Corporate farming is the pathway to unlocking the true potential of agriculture,” he noted. “Our mission is simple but powerful,100 percent agriculture, 100 percent value,” he explained.
“Farmers must receive the full economic benefits of their labour while agriculture becomes a sustainable engine of national prosperity,” he added.
He stated that the Corporate Farm model is designed to attract serious investors into agriculture, empower large-scale farmers, integrated with technology, mechanisation, financing, and market access into one robust ecosystem.
The executive chairman argued that the core problem in Nigerian agriculture is not the quality of produce but the fragmentation of farming operations, which makes mechanisation, service delivery and logistics inefficient.
He added that the nation’s agricultural sector has absorbed about $40 trillion in investment over the past four decades without commensurate improvements in food production or a reduction in food imports.
The Corporate Farm initiative, he said, addresses these structural gaps by integrating four major service pillars: Whole Farm, Farm for Me, Harvest for Me and Support Smallholder Farmer.
The launch which was recently held in Lagos, had government officials, leaders in agribusiness, financial institutions, and representatives of farmer associations in attendance.
The event marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward building modern, technology-driven large-scale agricultural sector capable of competing globally while also meeting the nation’s growing food demand.
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Giving an overview of the initiative, the Leo Edwards, chief executive operating of OAW, described the Corporate Farm model as an integrated agricultural framework that addresses the entire value chain from production to market access.
He explained that the Whole Farm model is a comprehensive farm development and operational management. For the Farm for Me, he explained that it is a managed agricultural investment opportunity for individuals and institutions.
He described the Harvest for Me as the end-to-end harvesting and yield optimization solutions, while the Support for Smallholder Farmers as the access to mechanisation, inputs, and markets for small-scale farmers.
Edward noted that the program incorporates end-to-end mechanisation, a robust equipment ecosystem, and strategic market segmentation to minimise risk while maximising productivity and profitability.
He projected that within the next five years, the African Sahel region could emerge as one of the world’s major food markets, making investments in agriculture increasingly critical.
In her goodwill message, Abisola Olusanya, commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, commended Origin Tech Group for its visionary leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.
“Agriculture remains fundamental to human survival and economic development,” she stated.
“Initiatives like Corporate Farm align with Lagos State’s commitment to building resilient food systems and expanding agricultural opportunities.”
Her remarks also highlighted the state government’s ongoing investment in agricultural hubs and strategic partnerships aimed at boosting productivity and attracting private-sector participation.
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