By Momoh Farouk and Otoikhila Emmanuel
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Edo State Coordinating Office, has initiated discussions with Well-Hosa Greenhouse Farm Limited on strategic collaboration aimed at advancing technology-driven agriculture and industrial development in Nigeria.
The move formed part of an industrial visit by the Council to the farm’s premises at Km 2, Benin City Bypass Road, off Sapele Road, Benin City, on January 26, 2026.
Speaking during the visit, the RMRDC Edo State Coordinator, Engr. Otoikhila O. Emmanuel commended the innovative hydroponic farming system adopted by Well-Hosa, describing it as a model capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural value chain. He identified key areas of possible collaboration, including capacity building for smallholder farmers, reduction of post-harvest losses, and the establishment of government-supported demonstration centres to promote modern farming technologies.
“The Council is interested in partnering with Well-Hosa to train smallholder farmers on advanced hydroponic techniques and explore how such models can be replicated across the state to boost productivity and job creation,” Engr. Emmanuel said.
You Might AlsoLike
The visit also provided an opportunity for RMRDC to better understand the operational challenges facing the company. Representing the management of Well-Hosa Greenhouse Farm Limited, Mr. Kingsley Erinmwioghae, Human Resource Manager, expressed appreciation to the Council for the visit and reiterated the company’s readiness to collaborate with government agencies.
He, however, raised concerns over policy constraints, particularly the ban on certain imported fertilizers and agrochemicals essential for hydroponic farming. According to him, the soluble fertilizers and specific crop protection chemicals used by the farm are not currently produced locally, posing serious operational challenges and threatening sustainability.
Mr. Kingsley explained that Well-Hosa Greenhouse Farm Limited is a 27-hectare state-of-the-art agricultural facility commissioned in September 2018 and founded by the late Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo. The farm operates advanced soilless hydroponic systems with the capacity to house up to 28 greenhouses and produce about 4,200 tonnes of vegetables annually for both domestic consumption and export markets. The facility is also designed to create over 500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect employment opportunities.
The farm’s operations emphasize eco-friendly, controlled-environment agriculture, significantly reducing water usage compared to conventional farming methods.
At the end of the engagement, both parties agreed to pursue collaboration in training smallholder farmers on hydroponic technology and to explore partnerships with the Edo State Government for the establishment of a demonstration centre that would serve as a hub for modern agricultural practices in the state.
