FG, EU launch £2.7m space-tech agriculture project to boost food security

ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — 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 initiative, jointly implemented by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the European Space Agency, is designed to promote climate-smart agriculture, boost productivity, and strengthen food security nationwide.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a defining moment for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale, he noted that while agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economy, it faces mounting challenges, including climate change, land degradation, environmental stress, and population growth.

He said addressing these issues requires a shift toward innovation-driven solutions anchored on data and technology, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, reduced import dependence, and modern agricultural practices.

According to the minister, EO technologies provide accurate, timely, and scalable data to improve crop monitoring, environmental risk assessment, land-use planning, and evidence-based decision-making.

Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, said the agency has invested significantly in satellite infrastructure, data systems, and human capacity, adding that the focus is now on translating data into practical solutions with measurable impact. He noted that the project aligns with global development goals and reflects strong collaboration between African and European institutions.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, said the three-year project, funded under the EU Global Gateway strategy, will support farmers and herders with space-based information to improve farming systems, livestock management, and climate resilience. He added that Nigeria’s growing technological capacity makes it a strategic partner and positions the country as a potential hub for agricultural innovation in Africa.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, represented by Mr. Olanipekun Oshadiya, highlighted the role of satellite imagery in soil mapping, crop yield forecasting, and efficient land-use optimisation.

Earlier, NASRDA’s Director of Strategic Space Applications, Dr. Godstime James, said seven states—Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Oyo, Enugu, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory—have been selected for pilot demonstration farms across Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones. He added that farmers will be equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and supported with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools.

Project expert, Dr. Christopher Sannier, explained that the initiative will develop a sustainable, open-source agricultural information system integrating satellite data with ground sensors, alongside features such as AI-driven advisory services, SMS alerts, mobile applications, and web-based dashboards.