The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has called for urgent integration of digital technology in Nigeria’s agriculture sector to enhance productivity, lower food costs, and reduce import reliance.
Speaking at the Ogun Tech Forward Innovation & Startups Roundtable in Abeokuta, Tijani emphasized that Nigeria’s agricultural potential can only be realized through innovation. He noted that traditional farming methods are no longer sustainable in the face of rising food prices and import dependency.
“Technology contributes 16 to 18 percent, but we aim for 21 percent. We must apply digital tools to agriculture to feed ourselves effectively,” he stated.
The minister recommended leveraging mobile apps, drones, sensors, and data analytics to modernize farming through precision agriculture. These tools, he said, would increase yields, cut costs, and make food more affordable.
Tijani also underscored the need for nationwide digital inclusion, warning against limiting innovation to urban centers. He announced federal support for initiatives like Ogun Tech Hub’s plan to create 300 jobs via business process outsourcing.
“We must invest in our people and let local ideas flourish,” he added, advocating for the integration of emerging technologies—AI, robotics, and drones—into agriculture and education.
Ogun Tech Community President, Adekunle Durosinmi, urged the federal government to back the state’s digital ecosystem. He requested a permanent innovation hub and secretariat, citing Ogun’s strategic role and youth potential.
“Ogun is positioned to lead in technology. With over 29 tertiary institutions, we’re a natural home for innovation,” Durosinmi said.
He highlighted the community’s achievements since 2022, including 19 active clusters focused on developers, women in tech, and agritech, all aligned with national digital goals. He called for stronger partnerships between government, industry, and academia to drive innovation and development.
