Transforming Edo State’s Economy Through the Lagos Agro-Hub Blueprint -Oseghale Success Ehinomen
Edo State stands at a critical juncture, brimming with untapped potential in agriculture that could revolutionize its economy. Inspired by Lagos State’s agro-hub initiative, which generated a remarkable N2.495 billion in just its first year, Edo can unlock similar success. By capitalizing on its vast agricultural resources and adopting this proven model, the state can not only boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) but also create jobs, reduce poverty, and establish itself as a leader in agricultural innovation. Governor Monday Okpebholo now has the unique opportunity to turn Edo State into an economic powerhouse through strategic investments in agriculture.
In my opinion, the success of the Lagos model lies in its seamless supply chain between farmers and consumers, achieved through strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and technology integration. Edo State, with its diverse agricultural output, is well-positioned to replicate this model, leveraging its three senatorial districts to drive the agro-hub initiative. The introduction of agro-hubs across the state could be seen as a form of agricultural value chain integration, ensuring that produce moves efficiently from farm to market, stimulating local economies and enhancing the state’s gross domestic product (GDP).
In Edo South, major crops include oil palm, cassava, yam, and plantain. Notable farming villages like Udo and Ugbogiobo in Ovia South-West Local Government Area and Okada in Ovia North-East Local Government Area are renowned for cassava and plantain farming. Similarly, Ehor in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area is a hub for yam production. The proximity of these areas to Benin City makes them strategic for hosting central processing and distribution centers, thus contributing to regional economic growth through agglomeration economies.
In Edo North, crops like cocoa, rice, cashew, and maize dominate. Villages such as Igarra in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area are noted for cocoa farming, while Fugar and Agenebode in Etsako Central and East Local Government Areas respectively are major producers of rice and maize. Cashew farming thrives in Auchi and Jattu in Etsako West Local Government Area, presenting opportunities for export-oriented processing hubs. This will not only increase local productivity but also create foreign exchange reserves through increased exports, an essential aspect of any growing economy.
Edo Central is known for fruits and vegetables, with pineapple and oranges being particularly abundant in Ubiaja in Esan South-East Local Government Area and Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area. Villages like Ewohimi and Ekpoma also contribute significantly to cassava and vegetable farming. These areas are ideal for fresh produce markets, supported by cold storage facilities to preserve perishable items, minimizing post-harvest losses and maximizing the supply elasticity of agricultural products.
To replicate the success of the Lagos agro-hub model, Governor Okpebholo’s administration must establish agro-hubs in each senatorial district, focusing on the predominant produce of each region. Developing infrastructure such as farm-to-market roads, warehouses, and cold rooms is critical for reducing post-harvest losses and improving logistics. Collaborating with private investors and providing incentives like tax breaks and access to farmland will drive investment into these hubs, creating an environment conducive to private-public partnerships (PPP) and stimulating further economic activity in the state.
Furthermore, technology integration can create platforms for linking farmers with buyers, enabling better pricing and minimizing inefficiencies. Organizing smallholder farmers into cooperatives will also enhance production and ensure a steady supply to the agro-hubs. For export-focused areas like Edo North, ensuring compliance with international standards for cash crops such as cocoa and cashew can unlock foreign exchange earnings and boost international trade relations.
This forms part of my reason for calling for the review and upward adjustment of the allocation to the agricultural sector. Edo State has the potential to turn agriculture into a significant revenue source, but this will require increased investment, strategic planning, and consistent government support. Adequate funding of the agricultural sector will foster supply-side economic growth, improve productivity, and contribute to the state’s long-term economic sustainability.
Additionally, the government should focus on empowering youths and women by providing them with the necessary tools, skills, and funding to participate actively in agriculture. This initiative would not only boost productivity but also reduce unemployment and improve household incomes across the state. By integrating gender and youth empowerment into agricultural policies, Edo State can achieve inclusive growth and equitable distribution of wealth.
This new government must strive to have an area of strength, and agriculture presents an opportunity to define that strength. By creating policies that encourage innovation, investment, and sustainability, Edo State can position itself as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.
By implementing these strategies, Edo State can replicate Lagos’ success, achieving significant revenue growth, creating jobs, and reducing poverty. Farmers in villages like Udo, Igarra, and Ubiaja would see increased incomes, while the state government would benefit from taxes and fees generated by agro-hub operations. Governor Monday Okpebholo’s leadership in driving this initiative could position Edo State as a model of agricultural innovation and economic diversification in Nigeria. Edo State will flourish
By Oseghale Success Ehinomen, Economist, Educator (MTRCN), and Data Analyst.
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