Governor Aiyedatiwa has given the green light to a $42 million agricultural city initiative in Ondo State

Ondo State is set for a major transformation in its agricultural sector as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has approved a $42 million Agric City project aimed at accelerating food production, boosting employment and expanding the state’s agro-industrial capacity. The initiative, which forms part of the administration’s long-term economic diversification agenda, is expected to serve as a hub for processing, research, mechanised farming and value-chain development across multiple agricultural commodities. Officials describe the project as one of the state’s most ambitious agro-investment programmes in recent years, with the potential to reposition Ondo as a leading food and agribusiness destination in Nigeria.

According to government sources, the Agric City will incorporate modern farming clusters, processing zones, residential quarters, technology centres and training facilities for young farmers. The design also includes irrigation networks, storage and logistics infrastructure, and dedicated spaces for agro-allied industries. By integrating all components of the value chain within one ecosystem, the state hopes to reduce post-harvest losses, expand commercial-scale farming and attract private investment into high-value crops. The project is being developed in partnership with local and foreign investors who have expressed confidence in Ondo’s agricultural potential and strategic location.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the approval reflects his administration’s commitment to practical solutions that ensure food security and create sustainable economic opportunities for residents. He noted that agriculture remains central to the state’s identity and economy, and the new Agric City represents a modern approach to harnessing its full potential. The governor emphasised that with global food prices rising and supply chains increasingly vulnerable, states like Ondo must innovate and build integrated systems that support large-scale production while empowering smallholder farmers.

The $42 million investment will be executed in phases, beginning with land preparation, infrastructure development and the establishment of demonstration farms. These pilot units will showcase improved seedlings, climate-smart practices and mechanisation tools that farmers can adopt to increase productivity. In the second phase, agro-processing factories for cassava, cocoa, oil palm, maize and horticultural produce will be installed to support value addition and local manufacturing. The final stage of the project will focus on training programmes, digital farming solutions and partnerships with universities and research centres to drive agricultural innovation.

Agricultural stakeholders in Ondo have welcomed the project as timely, especially as farmers continue to face challenges such as rising production costs, climate variability, storage difficulties and limited access to markets. Many believe the Agric City framework will provide the stability and technical support needed to enhance productivity and profitability. Farmer associations also expect the initiative to reduce rural-to-urban migration by creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs across farming, logistics, processing, marketing and research.

The state government has highlighted the creation of employment opportunities as one of the project’s core outcomes. Early projections suggest that the Agric City could generate over 20,000 jobs, both skilled and unskilled, within its first few years of operation. These jobs will cut across agronomy, veterinary services, mechanisation, engineering, quality control, packaging, transportation and agribusiness management. The administration hopes this will stimulate rural economies, strengthen household incomes and reinforce local food systems.

In addition to production and employment, the project is expected to attract significant private investment to the state. Government officials report that several agribusiness firms, both domestic and international, have signalled interest in establishing operations within the Agric City once basic infrastructure is in place. This influx of private capital could help drive export-oriented production, particularly in crops where Ondo has comparative advantage such as cocoa, cashew, palm oil, timber and vegetables.

The Agric City will also support the state’s climate resilience agenda, with planned features such as water-management systems, renewable energy facilities and climate-smart farming technologies. These components are intended to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns, protect the environment and ensure long-term sustainability. Extension workers and agricultural officers will be trained to assist farmers in adopting these new practices while maintaining traditional knowledge.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed that accountability and transparency will guide the project’s execution to ensure that the investment delivers its intended benefits. He also stated that the Agric City aligns with federal and global initiatives to combat food insecurity, promote agribusiness and strengthen rural economies. The state government plans to work closely with development partners and financial institutions to secure additional support as the project advances.

Residents in affected communities have expressed optimism that the project will bring improved infrastructure such as roads, electricity, clean water and market access. Community leaders, however, have urged the government to ensure fair compensation for land and full engagement with local stakeholders during implementation. The state pledged to uphold international best practices in land management and community participation.

Analysts believe the Agric City project could position Ondo as a major agricultural powerhouse in Nigeria if properly executed and maintained. With a strong policy framework, continued investment and robust private-sector participation, the initiative could significantly improve food supply, enhance exports and deepen the state’s economic resilience. As the approval transitions into implementation, citizens and investors alike will be watching for measurable progress that reflects the project’s ambitious vision.

 

The $42 million Agric City stands as a bold step toward redefining Ondo State’s agricultural landscape. For Governor Aiyedatiwa, it is a cornerstone of his development agenda; for the state, it promises a future where agriculture drives growth, innovation and prosperity.