The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken a decisive step toward a smarter, technology-driven agricultural future with the official launch of the Nigeria Agricultural Intelligence Platform (NAIP) a four-year roadmap designed to transform the nation’s food systems through artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and data-driven research.
The groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in partnership with PIXELS Solutions Limited, and supported by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), is set to enhance productivity, strengthen food security, and promote sustainable growth across Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, Executive Secretary of ARCN, described NAIP as “a people-centred, technology-driven, and youth-powered agricultural system” that will connect farmers, researchers, and policymakers for shared growth.
“Through NAIP, we will build digital knowledge hubs, provide AI-powered advisory services, expand access to mechanization, and deploy e-extension tools that place innovation directly in the hands of farmers,” Dr. Dabban stated.
“This platform will empower farmers, strengthen food security, and position Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s agri-food transformation.”
Representing the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari,Director, Horticulture Department in the ministry,Dr. Yerima Alhaji Uba, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to drive agricultural development.
He noted that the NAIP initiative aligned with the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, both of which emphasize research, innovation, and youth empowerment as cornerstones of agricultural transformation.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy. To unlock its full potential, we must embrace innovation and technology as central pillars for growth,” said the Minister.
“The launch of NAIP represents a bold and visionary step towards building a digital, knowledge-driven, and inclusive agricultural future for Nigeria.”he added.
Providing a detailed presentation of the platform, Dr. Shuaibu Aliyu Madugu, Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, ARCN, explained that the NAIP System integrated artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and real-time monitoring tools to provide farmers and policymakers with actionable insights for improved productivity and efficiency.
“The NAIP platform will serve as a national repository for agricultural data, enabling evidence-based planning, smart extension delivery, and efficient resource management across the sector,” Dr. Madugu noted.
In his goodwill message, Professor Jonathan J. Atungwu, Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Ibadan, commended ARCN’s leadership for fostering collaboration among agricultural institutions and for championing the integration of research, education, and innovation. He expressed optimism that the NAIP initiative would strengthen agricultural training, empower youth agripreneurs, and enhance food system resilience nationwide.
The event also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders, institutional partners, and representatives of the private sector.
The high point of the ceremony was the formal unveiling of the Nigeria Agricultural Intelligence Platform (NAIP), signaled a new era of data-driven, innovation-led agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
