Nigeria’s agricultural sector is undergoing a paradigm shift as stakeholders emphasize the integration of digital technology and mechanization to address inefficiencies and boost productivity. At the National Agricultural Mechanization and Innovation Summit in Lagos, experts discussed how leveraging advanced technologies could transform the sector and strengthen the country’s food security.
Sam C. Ebiriekwe, Director of Agriculture at the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, noted that Nigeria’s reliance on traditional farming tools has stifled productivity for decades. “By adopting technologies like blockchain, precision agriculture, IoT, AI, and robotics, we can enhance efficiency, improve soil health, reduce fraud, and ensure global market competitiveness,” Ebiriekwe said. He highlighted the potential of digital mechanization to position Nigeria as a leading agricultural hub in Africa, leveraging its rich soil and diverse agro-commodities.
Similarly, Chisom Udemezue, Technology and Innovation Adviser at the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub, emphasized the role of agricultural drones and sensors in optimizing farming decisions and minimizing waste. Udemezue pointed out the opportunities for job creation and revenue generation through integrating digital systems into agricultural mechanization, urging stakeholders to prioritize financial sustainability for innovation hubs and makerspaces.
Stephanie Ibyem, a food processor from Benue State, underscored the need for localized technological solutions in agriculture. She stressed the importance of using high-quality, export-compliant machines, noting that stainless steel equipment is crucial for meeting international standards. However, she highlighted the financial barriers faced by MSMEs, stating, “The cost of quality machines is a significant challenge for small-scale food processors.”
The president of the Connection of Stakeholders in Agricultural Mechanization (CONESAM), Ola Oladimeji, emphasized training farmers to use digital tools for improved food production. Oladimeji called for greater government support and stakeholder collaboration to sustain agricultural innovation and ensure food security.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State echoed these sentiments during the Lagos Agrinnovation Summit 1.0, emphasizing the need for transformative agricultural practices to tackle food waste, climate challenges, and inefficiencies. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, the governor reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to creating a sustainable agri-business ecosystem. “We must reduce food waste, improve efficiency, and build resilience in our food systems to address climate change and global challenges,” he said. Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the critical role of youth in modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
Prince Samuel J. Samuel, Executive Chairman of Origin Tech Group, delivered a keynote address advocating for cluster farming and innovative agricultural practices. He described agriculture as the foundation of all professions, urging stakeholders to adopt interconnected approaches to maximize the sector’s potential.
The summit reinforced the necessity of integrating digital solutions and mechanization to revolutionize agriculture in Nigeria, addressing inefficiencies and building a resilient sector that can drive economic growth and food security.
