Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo, Executive Secretary, NALDA
In this exclusive interview, the Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo II, shares insights into the agency’s mandate, ongoing projects in Kwara State, and the broader vision for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. He discusses strategies for sustainable farming, youth empowerment, technological innovations, and the critical role of agriculture in national development. Mr. Adebayo also offers candid reflections on leadership, political challenges, and advice for young Nigerians aspiring to make a difference.
He highlights key initiatives in Kwara State, including mega farm estates and youth empowerment through agribusiness training. He explains how strategic partnerships and technology are boosting productivity and sustainability.
The Executive Secretary of NALDA also shares his vision for sustainable farming, environmental care, and integrating livestock and aquaculture. Reflecting on leadership and the political landscape ahead of 2027, he emphasizes the need for policy continuity.
Drawing from his personal background, he encourages Nigerian youth to be resilient, politically active, and committed to driving meaningful change in the country’s socio-economic future. Excerpts.
Please tell us a little about yourself…
My name is Cornelius Oluwasegun Adebayo II. My father, Cornelius Olatunji,(now late) was a distinguished public servant and political leader in Kwara and Nigeria, serving as Governor, Senator, Minister, and Commissioner. He was a key figure in Nigeria’s democratic struggles. I draw inspiration from his legacy of selfless service and dedication to the people.
Can you provide an overview of NALDA’s mandate and your key responsibilities as Executive Secretary, particularly in relation to Kwara State?
Certainly. The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) is mandated to develop agricultural land across all 36 states of Nigeria to achieve nationwide food and fiber security. Our core focus is on large-scale land development to transition the country from predominantly smallholder farming to more mechanized, large-scale agricultural holdings. We also work to scale up small-scale farmers into larger, more productive operators.
As Executive Secretary, I provide leadership, formulate policy, and ensure effective implementation of these policies. This mandate applies uniformly across the federation, including Kwara State, where we have several ongoing projects aimed at transforming agriculture and empowering farmers.
Before moving on, could you tell us about the major agricultural land development projects NALDA is undertaking in Kwara State since your appointment?
Absolutely. In Kwara, we are developing the Renewed Hope Mega Farm Estate in Ora, Ifelodun LGA, spanning over 5,000 hectares. This estate is designed to empower approximately 8,000 farmers by allocating five hectares each. We chose five hectares because one hectare is insufficient to lift farmers out of poverty, but five hectares, combined with mechanized farming, can generate sustainable income.
We employ mechanization extensively—tractors, planters, and harvesters—to boost productivity. For example, mechanized maize farming can yield about five tons per hectare, doubling the average manual yield of 2.5 tons. Five hectares at five tons per hectare equates to 25 tons per season, which translates into significant earnings for farmers.
Beyond Ora, we have a 300-hectare root crops project at the Federal Polytechnic and a planned 2,000-hectare partnership with Kwara State University, pending land clearing next season. We are also establishing one of six NAFDA Institutes of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship in Oke-Onigbin, Isin LGA, to train youths from secondary to HND level in agriculture and agribusiness skills.
Additionally, there is a 3,000-hectare private-sector partnership plantation for cashew oil in Oreke, Ifelodun LGA, and an 18,000-hectare cashew plantation project in Oroago for the Cashew Processors Association of Nigeria—one of the largest single farms in Nigeria.
In Kwara North, we recently secured approval to develop 500 hectares each in Baruten and Kaiama LGAs as irrigated grazing reserves to reduce farmer-herder conflicts. There is also a planned aquaculture project in Asa, Kwara Central, slated for 2026.
We maintain close collaboration with state and local governments, especially in Ifelodun, to ensure community engagement and improve security through productive land use.
Does NALDA’s mandate extend beyond crop farming to livestock and other sectors?
Yes. NALDA operates under the Office of the President and collaborates with four federal ministries: Agriculture (food crop production), Livestock Development (grazing reserves and fodder), Marine and Blue Economy (aquaculture and fisheries), and Environment (forestry and ecological balance). Our mandate covers crops, livestock, aquaculture, and environmental sustainability, making us a comprehensive agricultural development agency.
How does NALDA ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture?
We have established a dedicated Sustainability Department to promote responsible land development. A key focus is proper soil testing to understand nutrient deficiencies and avoid indiscriminate fertilizer use, which damages the environment. Our Soil Doctor Project and collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture’s Soil House Program aim to develop national soil maps for precise fertilizer application.
We practice responsible land clearing by replanting forest species to maintain ecological balance. Our National Land Bank initiative captures detailed soil data for all agricultural lands to guide sustainable farming practices.
How has NALDA contributed to job creation and youth empowerment?
The National Farm Estate policy, adopted by the President, is being implemented nationwide with pilot projects in Kwara, Ekiti, Benue, Plateau, Bauchi, and other states. Each farm estate clusters thousands of farmers and supports them with infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, security, and markets, creating extensive direct and indirect employment opportunities.
Across all 36 states, these estates have the potential to engage tens of thousands of people, stimulating rural economies and fostering human capital development.
What are the main challenges NALDA faces?
Land acquisition and funding remain our biggest challenges. Some state governments are slow in land documentation, but the President has directed Governors to expedite this process. Funding is always insufficient given the scale of our projects, so we are actively working to attract private sector investment to accelerate expansion.
How is NALDA leveraging technology to boost productivity?
NALDA employs advanced technologies such as agricultural drones for spraying and monitoring large farms, and aircraft for aerial spraying, which improve efficiency and reduce manual labor. We also use mechanized equipment extensively to enhance productivity and ensure timely farm operations.
How do you see the 2027 Governorship election affecting agricultural policies in Kwara?
It’s too early to predict since candidates and manifestos are not yet clear. However, we hope for leaders who understand grassroots development and can harness Kwara’s agricultural and mineral resources to promote inclusive growth.
What role should agriculture play in Nigeria’s political and economic agenda, and how can NALDA support this?
Agriculture must be central to national development. President Bola Tinubu has made land development a presidential priority, emphasizing mechanization and large-scale farming to increase yields from the current average of 2.5 tons per hectare to international standards of 12 tons per hectare. NALDA is pivotal in implementing this vision through land development, mechanization, and farmer empowerment.
How does NALDA ensure continuity amid political changes?
We have developed a comprehensive 10-year strategic master plan, adopted by the President, which provides a clear roadmap regardless of leadership changes. We have also established strategic partnerships with government agencies and development commissions to ensure sustainability and resource sharing.
You were nominated for outstanding leadership in agricultural land development. What does this recognition mean to you?
I am deeply honored. This award recognizes the collective effort of my entire team at NALDA, including our state and zonal offices. It motivates us to achieve even greater impact in transforming Nigerian agriculture. Our projects, such as the 5,000-hectare farm in Ora, are among the largest in the country and represent a revitalization of agricultural development on a scale not seen since the era of Obafemi Awolowo.
Lastly, learning from your life’s journey, what advice would you give, particularly to those who might find themselves in your position?
My advice to the youth is simple: never ever give up. When people tell you, “It’s too late, give up,” don’t listen. The youth of our generation must not wait for power to be handed to them or for opportunities to be shared. The older generation didn’t wait; they took power and have held onto it for decades—some since the 1970s. They want to consume our time with theirs and tell us to wait, but we must not.
Young people should go out and contest for positions. If you are cheated, contest that cheating and fight for yourself. No one gives power freely. President Buhari said, “They don’t give power for free; you fight for it.” Politics is a game of interests. If your interests are not being served, you have every right to fight for them.
If they want to take something from the youth, they must be ready to give something in exchange. Having a seat at the table means having influence. If you are denied a seat, demand an alternative seat. If you don’t have one, fight for it. I urge all youths to fight for their rightful place because we cannot build the future we want without a seat at the table. That is my advice.