By Fatima Ndagi
A bold new chapter in Nigeria’s economic diversification is unfolding, as Davidorlah Farms reveals a $300 million U.S. investment to build a next-generation biofuel refinery in Ogun State—positioning agriculture as the engine of Nigeria’s renewable future.
Announcing the deal in Abuja, Oluwasegun Alabi, Managing Director and CEO of Davidorlah Farms, described the project as a strategic leap that will transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape while answering global calls for cleaner energy.
“This is more than an investment—it’s a national turning point,” Alabi said. “By converting what we grow into clean fuel, Nigeria can rewrite its economic story—shifting from oil dependence to agro-powered innovation.”
The choice of Ogun State, he explained, is rooted in its agricultural strength and proximity to raw materials like pineapples—one of Nigeria’s hidden export gems. “Our pineapples are world-class. Yet, for years, we’ve overlooked their true economic value. That changes now.”
Alabi believes Nigeria’s youth must be at the centre of this transformation. That’s why Davidorlah Farms has proposed the establishment of Agricultural Training Centres in all 36 states and the FCT, to arm young Nigerians with hands-on agribusiness skills.
A 100-room hostel to accommodate over 200 youth workers has already been built at the firm’s farm campus.
Despite agriculture contributing nearly a quarter of Nigeria’s GDP, the country still runs a disturbing agricultural trade deficit. In 2023 alone, Nigeria imported over ₦1.037 trillion worth of food—its fifth straight year of negative trade balance.
“This is unacceptable,” Alabi said bluntly. “We are importing wheat, sugar, and concentrates that should be proudly grown and processed here. Nigeria must stop exporting jobs and importing poverty.”
He called for coordinated investments in rural infrastructure, storage, transportation, and value chain systems that will make Nigerian agriculture globally competitive. “Agriculture can—and should—surpass oil in driving foreign exchange. We have the land. We have the talent. We just need the will.”
As climate change accelerates the global transition away from fossil fuels, Alabi said the biofuel refinery places Nigeria on the right side of history. “Across the continent, countries are converting agricultural waste into biofuel and biogas. This is the future. And Nigeria must lead it.”
Davidorlah Farms is setting the pace with its full-value-chain approach to pineapple farming—from cultivation to export-quality concentrate production.
“We’re not just farming; we’re building an ecosystem that earns dollars, empowers youth, and restores pride in Nigerian produce,” Alabi declared.
He challenged policymakers to move beyond speeches and act decisively. “Agriculture isn’t a fallback plan. It’s our frontline for economic sovereignty, food security, and environmental resilience.”
With this landmark investment, Davidorlah Farms is placing a clear bet on Nigeria’s agricultural potential—and on the country’s capacity to rise as a renewable energy leader.
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