In a recent LinkedIn post, Idris Akinlabi, PHRi™ MCIB, challenges a prevailing sentiment in Nigeria, suggesting that the nation might be overly focused on the technology sector at the expense of the agriculture industry. Akinlabi, a certified HR professional and member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, argues that while tech is often perceived as modern and forward-thinking, agriculture holds fundamental importance and represents a significant, albeit less glamorous, market opportunity.
The Allure of Tech vs. The Reality of Agriculture
Akinlabi begins by acknowledging the appeal of the tech industry. “Tech is attractive. It sounds sharp. It feels like the modern answer,” he writes. This perception, he notes, leads many to associate anyone in tech with progressive innovation. In contrast, farming is often viewed through a more dated lens, associated with manual labor, stress, and a lack of modern appeal.
“Farming does not get that same reaction. To many people, it still feels local. Stressful. Dirty. Old-fashioned.”
However, Akinlabi posits that this very perception might be blinding many to a critical sector facing growing challenges. As he observes, “Food is becoming a bigger issue. Prices keep rising. Access is getting harder. Waste is everywhere.” This escalating problem, he contends, signifies a substantial market that is being overlooked.
Rethinking Opportunity in the Agri-Food Value Chain
The author clarifies that his advocacy for agriculture is not a call for a return to traditional, rudimentary farming methods. Instead, he emphasizes the potential across the entire agri-food value chain. “I am not talking about farming in the narrow way people usually think about it. Not just carrying cutlass and going to the village. I mean the full thing. Production. Storage. Processing. Transportation. Packaging. Distribution. Export. Even branding,” Akinlabi elaborates.
He suggests that a common mistake is equating value with polished appearances or current trends. “Sometimes the best opportunities look rough in the beginning. They do not have nice branding yet. They are not trending on social media,” he points out. Despite this lack of immediate flash, Akinlabi asserts that the underlying need, potential for wealth creation, and future relevance are undeniable.
“But the money is there. The need is there. The future is there.”
The Fundamental Importance of Food
Akinlabi stresses the foundational nature of food security. He contrasts the dispensability of many technological applications with the essentiality of sustenance. “I am not saying tech is bad. Not at all. I just think some of us have been trained to admire what looks modern and ignore what is fundamental. You can live without plenty of apps. You cannot live without food,” he states.
This fundamental truth, in Akinlabi’s view, should prompt a re-evaluation of priorities and investment. He concludes by identifying a particularly valuable profile for the future: individuals who can bridge the gap between traditional sectors and modern business practices.
“Personally, I think the most dangerous people in the next 10 years will be those who understand both worlds. People who can bring structure, systems, visibility, and innovation into agriculture.”
According to Akinlabi, these individuals, capable of introducing efficiency and innovation into the agricultural sector, are the ones to watch. While others may be drawn to crowded tech spaces, those who quietly build value in an industry critical to national survival may ultimately achieve greater success and impact.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Idris Akinlabi , PHRi™ MCIB on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 5, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →