THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA: FROM CUTLASS TO DRONES

INTRODUCTION

Agriculture largely contributes to the Nigerian economy accounting for over 25% of the Nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it is also responsible for 30% of the existing employments in the country. However, the country remains behind its counterparts in developed countries as it still relies on crude implements and obsolete technology in the agribusiness, a practice fuelled by Nigerian farmers opting for subsistent agriculture as a means of survival and not with the goal of contributing to the nation’s economy.

Therefore, the “International Bar Association, 2020: Virtually Together Global Influential Session” hosted by Omaplex Law Firm was indeed timely as it provided an avenue for speakers from various sectors of the Nigerian economy to speak on the modalities necessary to make agribusiness in Nigeria technology driven. It is indeed against the backdrop of this enlightening session that this article is written with a view to ensure that innovative ideas do not terminate at the point of mere intellectual discussions, rather, that they are to be dissected and elucidated for proper implementation.

This article shall be giving an insight into the transformation of the Nigerian agricultural sector from ‘cutlasses to drones’ as expounded by the speakers in the convention, highlighting the challenges the sector faces and finally making recommendations on probable steps required to develop an agricultural sector that can compete globally.

Author:

O. M. Atoyebi, SAN

Mr. Oyetola Muyiwa Atoyebi, SAN is one of the most notable professional Nigerian lawyer, who has distinguished himself in his professional sphere within the country and internationally. He is the youngest in the history of Nigeria to be elevated to the rank of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. At age 34, he was conferred with the prestigious rank in September, 2019. Mr. O.M. Atoyebi, SAN can be characterized as a diligent, persistent, resourceful, reliable and humble individual who presents a charismatic and structured approach to solving problems and also an unwavering commitment to achieving client’s goals. His hard work and dedication to his client’s objectives sets him apart from his peers.

As the Managing Partner of O.M. Atoyebi, SAN & Partners, also known as OMAPLEX Law Firm, he is the team leader of the Emerging Areas of Practice of the Firm and one of the leading Senior Advocates of Nigeria in Local Content Law, where he has worked with various key industry stakeholders and successfully facilitated transactions in the Oil & Gas and Energy Sector. He has a track record of being diligent and he ensures that the same drive and zeal is put into all matters handled by the Firm.

Contributors

Onyinye Chukwendu-Ikechebelu

Nwoye Ekene Cheryl

Akeredolu Oriname