Agro-real estate has been identified as a viable pathway to wealth creation, food security, and economic diversification in Nigeria, with industry stakeholders urging more Nigerians to take advantage of the growing investment model. Speaking on the Ask the Expert segment on Trade FM, Social Media Specialist Adedeji Busayo and Farm Manager Alhassan Abel Eleojo described agro-real estate as an investment that combines land ownership with commercial agriculture, enabling investors to generate income while their land appreciates in value.
According to the guests, one of the biggest advantages of agro-real estate is that investors do not need to be farmers or actively manage agricultural operations to benefit from the sector. They explained that professional farm managers and modern agricultural equipment handle day-to-day farming activities, allowing investors to earn recurring income from crops while also enjoying long-term capital appreciation on their land. They described this as a “dual return on investment,” where farmland generates value through both agricultural production and rising land prices.
Busayo and Eleojo noted that beyond individual financial gains, agro-real estate has significant economic benefits for Nigeria. They said increased investment in commercial farming can improve food security by expanding the production of key agricultural commodities such as palm oil and cassava, reducing the country’s dependence on food imports. They added that the sector also has the potential to create jobs across farming, logistics, processing, and other segments of the agricultural value chain while stimulating economic activities in rural communities.
The guests also highlighted the growing role of technology in transforming agro-real estate. They explained that innovations such as drones for crop monitoring, GPS mapping for land allocation, soil sensors for efficient irrigation and fertiliser application, mechanised farming, and digital reporting systems are improving productivity and transparency. According to them, these technologies enable investors to receive regular updates on farm performance, making returns more predictable while reducing operational costs and improving accountability.
Addressing common misconceptions, Busayo and Eleojo dismissed the belief that agro-real estate is only for wealthy individuals or experienced farmers. They said flexible payment plans offered by some developers have made the investment accessible to young professionals, first-time investors, artisans, and salary earners. They also stressed that farming risks can be significantly reduced through professional management, modern agricultural practices, and proper planning.
The guests, however, cautioned prospective investors to conduct thorough due diligence before committing funds. They advised Nigerians to verify land titles, survey plans, deeds of assignment, governor’s consent, and other relevant documentation while ensuring that any property under consideration is free from legal disputes. They also encouraged investors to research the track record and credibility of developers, understand the investment structure and payment plans, and maintain realistic expectations regarding returns.
Looking ahead, Busayo and Eleojo expressed confidence that agro-real estate could become a major contributor to Nigeria’s economic transformation over the next decade. They said the sector has the potential to drive economic diversification beyond crude oil, create sustainable employment opportunities, strengthen rural development, and improve national food security. They added that with supportive government policies, secure land administration, and increased private sector participation, agro-real estate could emerge as one of the country’s most attractive long-term investment opportunities.
