The Federal Government has introduced the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP), a digital initiative aimed at improving agricultural service delivery, boosting productivity, and strengthening connections between research institutions and farmers.
Designed to work in collaboration with the National Agricultural Research and Extension System (NARES) and other relevant institutions, NEEP seeks to address the challenge of the low extension agent-to-farmer ratio. The platform will provide real-time access to crucial agricultural information, offering an interactive and cost-effective alternative to traditional extension services while also reducing security risks faced by field agents.
ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE : FG unveils integrated resource plan for power sector in Abuja
Speaking at the National Agricultural Extension Research Summit in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, emphasized the importance of technology in enhancing labour productivity. He highlighted ongoing efforts to deploy modern tools, such as tractors for land preparation, planting, and harvesting, to improve efficiency in the agricultural sector.
Abdullahi further noted that the summit, along with the soft launch of NEEP, is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to leverage technology for more effective agricultural extension services.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Engr. Ogunbiyi Marcus, acknowledged the long-standing challenges faced by Nigeria’s extension services, including inconsistent policies, inadequate funding, and limited adoption of technology. He expressed optimism that initiatives like NEEP would help address these issues and drive sustainable agricultural development in the country.
“Despite past shortcomings, the use of digital technology, as outlined in the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP) 2022-2027, presents a significant opportunity for improvement. Adequate funding and effective deployment of digital tools will ensure greater results,” he said.
The Director of the Federal Department of Agricultural Extension Service, Dr Deola Tayo Lordbanjou, emphasised the critical role of agricultural extension services in translating research findings, innovative practices, and new technologies into practical solutions for farmers.
He highlighted that an effective extension system boosts agricultural productivity, increases income, enhances food security, and improves rural livelihoods.
He, however, acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, including inadequate funding, weak research-extension-farmer linkages, and poor coordination among stakeholders.
“Research is crucial to the agricultural development of any nation. The beauty of the efforts made by Agricultural Research Institutes is fully realized through a well-structured extension service.
“Our goal is to ensure that farmers receive research outputs in a user-friendly manner to increase productivity, create jobs, and improve the nation’s GDP in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President,” Lordbanjou stated.
He highlighted past efforts to strengthen extension services, including the establishment of National Farmers’ Helpline Centers in six geopolitical zones since 2018.
These centres, he said, operate a toll-free, mobile-based technology that connects National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) with extension providers and farmers in real-time, ensuring the timely dissemination of agricultural innovations and market information.
To further consolidate these efforts, he said the federal government introduced NEEP a cyber-driven platform that integrates all stakeholders in the National Extension Service Delivery System.
“The platform will onboard outputs from National Agricultural Research Institutes, universities, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Agricultural Development Programs (ADPs), and financial institutions.
“NEEP will improve extension agent-to-farmer ratios, reduce security risks for extension agents, and ensure cost-effective and timely delivery of extension services,” Dr. Lordbanjou added.s for extension agents, and ensure cost-effective and timely delivery of extension services,” Dr. Lordbanjou added.
and then