Mechanized Soya Bean Cultivation and Sales in Nigeria; The Feasibility Report.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of the national economy, characterized by significant regional diversity, a wide range of crops, and strong contributions to food security and rural livelihoods. Although data limitations still exist—particularly within the food sub-sector—available statistics provide a clear picture of agriculture’s evolving role in economic development and structural transformation in Nigeria.

Historically, agriculture was the dominant sector of the Nigerian economy in the 1960s, contributing over 60% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employing the majority of the population, and serving as the primary source of foreign exchange earnings. This position changed with the discovery and expansion of crude oil in the 1970s, which shifted national focus away from agriculture. During this period, the sector experienced stagnation, leading to a sharp decline in its GDP contribution to about 48.8% in the 1970s and approximately 22% in the 1980s. Factors such as inconsistent economic policies, weak pricing systems, poor infrastructure, and the overwhelming emphasis on oil revenues contributed to this decline.

In recent years, agriculture has regained strategic importance as Nigeria pursues economic diversification. The sector now contributes approximately 24–26% of GDP and remains the largest employer of labor, engaging over 35% of the workforce. Nigerian agriculture is broadly structured into crop production, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, with crop production accounting for the largest share of output. This diversity creates opportunities for value addition, agro-processing, and export growth.

Among the various crops, soybean (Glycine max) has emerged as one of the most important and rapidly expanding agricultural commodities in Nigeria. Soybean is classified as an oilseed due to its relatively high oil content and is widely valued for its nutritional richness and industrial versatility. On a dry weight basis, soybean contains approximately 38–42% protein, 18–22% oil, along with carbohydrates and essential minerals, making it one of the most nutrient-dense crops available. Its protein is heat-stable, allowing it to retain nutritional value even after processing and cooking.

Soybean originated from East Asia, particularly China, where it has been cultivated for centuries. It later spread to Europe and the Americas and was introduced into Africa in the late 19th century. In Nigeria, soybean was first introduced around 1908 in Ibadan, and since then, its cultivation has expanded significantly across the country. Nigeria is now the largest producer of soybean in sub-Saharan Africa, with annual production estimated at over 1.2 million metric tonnes. The crop is predominantly grown in the Middle Belt region, with Benue State contributing a substantial share of national output, followed by Kaduna, Niger, Taraba, and Plateau States.

Soybean is a highly versatile crop with numerous applications across food, feed, and industrial sectors. It is used in the production of soy oil, soy cake, full-fat soy, soybean meal, soy flour, soy milk, tofu, and textured vegetable protein, among others. Its high protein content makes it particularly valuable in addressing malnutrition, while its derivatives are essential inputs in the livestock feed and food processing industries.

This report examines the financial viability of establishing a mechanized soybean plantation in Benue State, Nigeria, leveraging the state’s comparative advantage in soybean production. The proposed project involves the development of a 110-hectare farm, of which 100 hectares will be dedicated to soybean cultivation, while the remaining 10 hectares will be allocated for administrative buildings, storage facilities, and other supporting infrastructure.

The farm will utilize improved, high-yielding soybean varieties that mature within approximately 3.5 to 4 months, allowing for efficient production cycles and increased annual output. With proper agronomic practices, mechanization, and input management, the project is expected to achieve competitive yields and ensure consistent supply for both domestic markets and potential export opportunities.

The establishment of a mechanized soybean plantation in Nigeria represents a viable and strategic investment opportunity. With strong demand across food and feed industries, abundant production potential, and increasing government support for agriculture, the soybean value chain offers significant prospects for profitability, employment generation, and contribution to Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.