Nigeria must move from consumption to production —Adoyi

Agricultural entrepreneur and philanthropist, Paul Oche Adoyi, is the Chief Executive Officer of Fama Giant Nigeria Limited and is seeking to represent Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on his legislative agenda, agricultural mechanisation, among others. Excerpts:

You are an investor in the agricultural sector; why are you seeking to represent Oyo South Senatorial District?

I believe Nigeria must move from consumption to production. That philosophy guides my business, where we manufacture equipment locally, reduce dependence on imports and conserve foreign exchange.

I believe the NDC, under leaders such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, offers an opportunity to promote responsible governance and economic development. Rather than remain outside the corridors of power and complain, I want to participate in shaping policies that benefit ordinary Nigerians.

Oyo South has enormous agricultural and commercial potential. I believe my experience in farming, manufacturing and employment generation will help me champion policies that address the people’s needs.

What specific problems have you identified in Oyo South, and how do you intend to address them?

The district has both urban and rural challenges. In rural communities, particularly across the Ido and Ibarapa areas, many farmers still practise subsistence agriculture because they lack access to modern equipment and affordable financing.

I will advocate agricultural mechanisation, low-interest loans and partnerships that enable farmers to increase productivity. I am already contributing in my own small way, and I want to expand such efforts through legislative advocacy and collaboration with financial institutions.

In urban areas, poverty remains a serious challenge, particularly among women operating small businesses. We need accessible financing that will help them grow their businesses without falling victim to predatory lenders charging exorbitant interest rates.

Youth empowerment is another priority. I will promote vocational training, graduate retraining, entrepreneurship and partnerships with private companies to create employment opportunities.

What are your major legislative priorities?

First, I will advocate better welfare for vulnerable Nigerians, including people living with mental health conditions, abandoned elderly citizens, disadvantaged children and extremely poor households. Government policies should not neglect people simply because they lack political influence.

Second, I will prioritise youth development through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and policies that encourage innovation and self-employment.

Third, I will push for stronger federal government presence in Oyo South, particularly through infrastructure and industrial development. Communities in Ibarapa and Ido have agricultural resources that can support agro-processing industries, but inadequate electricity and infrastructure discourage investment.

Fourth, I will advocate a reduction in the cost of governance so that more public resources can be directed towards healthcare, education, infrastructure and social welfare.

Finally, I will promote better wages, agricultural productivity and policies that reduce production costs.

You have been proponent of N600,000 minimum wage. How realistic is this?

I believe Nigeria should work towards a minimum wage of ₦600,000, introduced gradually within a sustainable economic framework. Workers should earn enough to afford housing, food, transportation and other necessities.

Consider a graduate teacher earning about ₦150,000 monthly. How can such a person comfortably meet the rising cost of living? Teachers and other essential workers deserve a decent standard of living.

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Better wages can also stimulate economic activities because workers will spend more on goods and services, supporting businesses and keeping money circulating. However, government must consider productivity, revenue, inflation and employers’ capacity to pay to ensure that wage increases are sustainable.

How would you address inflation and the rising cost of production, particularly in agriculture?

As a farmer, I understand the problem. In some cases, the cost of producing garri can exceed its market price because of rising expenses for cassava, transportation, diesel, labour, chemicals and processing.

Many agricultural inputs are imported, making farmers vulnerable to foreign exchange fluctuations. Fertiliser, energy and transportation costs further increase production expenses, forcing some farmers to abandon farming.

We need to encourage local production of agricultural inputs, improve access to affordable fertiliser, support mechanisation and develop rural infrastructure.

I will also advocate a transparent framework for supplying crude oil to domestic refineries under conditions that could help reduce fuel costs. Such an arrangement must have strict oversight to prevent corruption, diversion and smuggling. The ultimate objective is to make energy more affordable for farmers, manufacturers and transport operators.

What role should the Federal Government play in developing Oyo South?

The Federal Government should create an enabling environment for industries through reliable electricity, accessible roads and supportive economic policies.

Oyo South has the agricultural resources and human capacity to support agro-processing and other industries. Establishing processing plants closer to farms would create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses and improve farmers’ earnings.

I will work with relevant ministries, agencies, investors and fellow lawmakers to attract investment and ensure that communities outside major urban centres benefit from industrial development.

Do you believe Peter Obi has what it takes to win the presidency and govern Nigeria effectively?

I am confident in his chances. I believe the ADC provides a platform to strengthen political organisation and mobilise Nigerians who desire change.

My confidence in Obi is based on my assessment of his record, particularly his emphasis on fiscal discipline, prudent spending and public revenue management. Kwankwaso’s emphasis on education and youth development in Kano also reflects policies I believe Nigeria needs.

However, electoral success will depend on effective organisation, credible candidates, voter mobilisation and the protection of votes.

What makes you believe Obi can confront the entrenched interests that have frustrated previous administrations?

In my assessment, Obi demonstrated determination during his tenure as Anambra State governor, particularly in his legal battles over his tenure and his approach to public expenditure and revenue administration.

His supporters also credit his administration with efforts to tackle insecurity and strengthen the state’s revenue base.

Nigeria needs leaders who can confront vested interests while respecting the law and strengthening public institutions. I believe Obi has demonstrated a willingness to challenge established practices, although his proposals and performance must ultimately be judged by their results.

Why should the people of Oyo South trust you with their mandate?

I believe the people of Oyo South are politically conscious and will judge candidates by their competence and commitment to service.

My experience in agriculture, manufacturing and employment generation gives me practical knowledge of the challenges confronting businesses and ordinary Nigerians. I want to bring that experience to the Senate and advocate policies that improve livelihoods.

My ambition is to promote agricultural development, youth empowerment, better infrastructure and greater federal attention to Oyo South. I understand that a senator cannot solve every problem alone, but purposeful representation, effective legislation and sustained engagement can make a difference.

Nigeria has the resources and human capacity to prosper. What we need is responsible leadership and policies that work for the majority rather than a privileged few.