FG LAUNCHES SPACE – POWERED AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION PROJECT FOR FOOD SECURITY
In a major stride towards agricultural transformation and national development, the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, SAN, has emphasized the need for the deployment of space based capabilities in order to guarantee food sufficiency in the country.
He made the statement while delivering a keynote address at the launch of the Earth Observation-based Agricultural Innovations Project held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja.
The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Muktar Yawale, described the initiative as timely and transformative, noting that it provides a strategic platform for revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
While commending the National Space Research and Development Agency, NASRDA, for its leadership and commitment to deploying space based solutions for Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, the Minister added that the project aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in advancing agricultural development.
Dr. Udeh noted that the integration of satellite-based data and geospatial intelligence will enable effective monitoring of crop performance and support precision farming practices.
According to the Minister, such innovations are critical to achieving national priorities, improving productivity, and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.
In his address, the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, CON, described the initiative as a vital pillar of the Renewed Hope mandate, marking a transition from traditional farming methods to a modern, data-driven agricultural framework.
Senator Kyari who was represented by the Director of Agricultural Land and Climate Change Management Services, Mr. Olanipekun Oshadiya, stated that integrating advanced technology into Nigeria’s agricultural system will ensure a more resilient, competitive, and scientifically driven sector.
Also speaking, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, noted that the project not only strengthens the partnership between Nigeria and the European Union but also serves as a platform for improving the livelihoods of Nigerians.
He explained that the initiative is part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, which prioritizes the modernization of agricultural practices.
In his welcome address, the Director General and Chief Executive of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, described the project as a strategic intervention aimed at bridging the gap between uncertainty and informed decision-making in the agricultural sector.
He emphasized that access to accurate, timely, and reliable data is essential for improving productivity and achieving food security, adding that the initiative will provide stakeholders with actionable insights for effective planning and resource management.
Dr. Adepoju further reaffirmed NASRDA’s commitment to advancing the application of space science and technology as a key driver of national development.
He stated that the Agency will continue to leverage innovation, research, and strategic partnerships to deliver practical solutions that address real-world challenges, particularly in agriculture, climate monitoring, and sustainable development.
Providing technical insight into the project, the Director of Strategic Space Applications at NASRDA, Dr. Godstime James, explained that the use of satellite imagery, remote sensing, and geospatial analytics will enable near real-time monitoring of agricultural systems.
According to him, the technology will support vegetation assessment, land use and land cover analysis, and yield prediction, thereby enhancing planning and decision-making processes.
The project, funded by the European Union and implemented by the European Space Agency in collaboration with NASRDA, represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to build a technologically driven and sustainable agricultural sector.
Below are some pictures from the event:
Reporter: Daniel Abdullahi
Editor: Joy Opaluwa
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