FG Launches Satellite-Based Agric Project To Boost Food Security

By Toffa Momoh

ABUJA — The Federal Government has launched a new Earth Observation-based Agricultural Innovations Project to drive food security and modernize farming through space technology.

Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, said the path to food security lies in space-based solutions. He was represented at the event by Dr. Muktar Yawale, who described the initiative as a game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The project is championed by the National Space Research and Development Agency and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It will use satellite data and geospatial intelligence to help farmers and policymakers monitor crop performance, predict yields, and adopt precision farming techniques.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by Mr. Olanipekun Oshadiya, said the initiative marks a shift from traditional farming to a modern, data-driven system. He noted that the goal is to build resilience, improve productivity, and create a competitive agricultural sector that can feed the nation sustainably.

European Union Ambassador Gautier Mignot said the project strengthens Nigeria-EU collaboration under the Global Gateway Strategy. He added that support from the European Space Agency and the EU reflects a shared commitment to improving livelihoods through innovation.

Director General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, emphasized that timely and reliable data is key to unlocking productivity and ensuring food security. He said the project represents a shift where data, science, and collaboration drive national development.

Officials say the initiative will give farmers access to real-time information, reducing uncertainty and helping Nigeria farm smarter with space as a strategic partner.