A new move by the Federal Government is turning farms into hubs of innovation, as over 1,000 smallholder farmers in Ogun State receive AI-powered smart devices to boost productivity, protect crops, and strengthen food security.
The initiative, known as AgriConnect, is a joint effort between the Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Huawei Technologies, and MTN Nigeria. Farmers selected from the Ogun State Farmers Information Management System have each been handed data-enabled smartphones loaded with artificial intelligence tools, courtesy of Huawei, and backed by MTN’s mobile network.
These aren’t just shiny new gadgets. They’re practical tools aimed at transforming how farming is done, from the soil to the market.
With the devices, farmers can:
• Get real-time updates on soil quality and weather patterns to guide planting decisions;
• Receive early alerts on pest outbreaks and extreme weather conditions;
• Stay connected to government support services, market information, and financing opportunities.
Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, said the project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which puts food security and rural development at the forefront.
“These are not just devices — they’re tools of transformation,” Dr. Tijani said. “This is about equipping farmers with the knowledge and support they need to thrive.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State echoed that sentiment, calling the initiative a game-changer for agriculture in the region. “This is a strategic step toward modernizing our agricultural sector and improving the lives of farmers across the state,” he said.
The pilot phase is focused on cassava production, a key crop in the region and is expected to scale to other states as the program grows. With AI and digital connectivity now part of the farmer’s toolkit, the government hopes to bridge the rural technology gap and give Nigerian agriculture a much-needed digital boost.
