Abuja: The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union (EU), has inaugurated a £2.7 million Earth Observation (EO)-based Agricultural Innovation Project aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector through space technology and data-driven solutions. The project, jointly implemented by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the European Space Agency (ESA), is designed to enhance climate-smart agriculture, improve productivity, and strengthen food security across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, described the initiative as a defining moment for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation during the inauguration ceremony held on Thursday in Abuja. Represented by Dr. Mukhtar Yawale, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Udeh highlighted the centrality of agriculture to Nigeria’s economy and livelihoods, while acknowledging the increasing challenges it faces, such as climate change, land degradation, environmental stress, and population growth. Addressing these challenges, he noted, requires a paradigm shift driven by innovation, data, and technology.
Dr. Matthew Adepoju, Director-General of NASRDA, emphasized the agency’s significant investments in satellite infrastructure, data systems, and human capacity. He highlighted the importance of translating data into practical solutions with measurable impacts and noted that this initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating strong global partnerships involving African and European institutions.
Mr. Gautier Mignot, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, explained that the project, funded under the EU Global Gateway strategy, will run for three years and support farmers and herders with space-based information. He pointed out that the initiative would deploy modern technologies to promote climate-smart practices, improve livestock management, and modernize farming systems, positioning Nigeria as a hub for agricultural innovation on the continent.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, represented by Mr. Olanipekun Oshadiya, Director of Agriculture, Land and Climate Change Management Services, underscored the importance of satellite imagery in modern agriculture, enabling accurate soil mapping, crop yield forecasting, and efficient land-use optimization.
Dr. Godstime James, Director of Strategic Space Applications, NASRDA, revealed that seven states, including Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Oyo, Enugu, Cross River, and the FCT, have been selected for demonstration farms across Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones. Farmers in these states will be equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and supported with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools for data collection and analysis.
In his presentation, Dr. Christopher Sannier, an expert on the project, outlined the development of a sustainable, open-source agricultural information system co-developed with NASRDA. The system will integrate satellite data with ground sensors and include features such as voice-based AI advisory services, SMS alerts, a mobile application, and a web dashboard, among others.