In a groundbreaking proposal that could transform Nigeria's agricultural landscape, Prince Samuel Joseph Samuel is challenging government leaders to get their hands dirty—literally.

The Chairman of Origin Tech Group has called for a radical policy requiring ministers, commissioners, and top officials to personally own or partner in agricultural ventures, arguing that direct personal stakes are the most effective way to understand and improve the nation's food production challenges.

Speaking at a media briefing marking the 25th anniversary of Origin Automobile Works (OAW), Samuel highlighted a critical disconnect between agricultural policy formulation and ground-level realities. "Until you own something, you will not reach out," he emphasized, suggesting that even a modest backyard farm could revolutionize leadership's approach to agricultural development.

Samuel's vision extends beyond mere ownership. He critiqued Nigeria's current agricultural ecosystem, particularly the absence of functional equipment financing and leasing frameworks. With only 1,200 tractor sales annually and limited maintenance infrastructure, he sees significant room for systemic improvement.

The tech leader isn't just diagnosing problems—he's proposing solutions. Origin Tech Group plans to roll out financing initiatives targeting farms with at least 1,000 hectares, with an ambitious long-term goal of enabling 1,000 such farms nationwide. This approach, Samuel argues, is the only viable path to mechanization, productivity, and global competitiveness.

Challenging conventional wisdom, Samuel also addressed Nigeria's agricultural branding efforts. He argues that scale must precede branding, noting that despite being a major yam producer, no single Nigerian producer can consistently supply volumes required for international trade.

His prescription for change is comprehensive: government-supported leasing models, robust insurance systems, and deliberate vertical integration of agricultural enterprises. By requiring officials to have skin in the game, Samuel believes Nigeria can transform its agricultural potential from theoretical policy to practical progress.