For millions of Nigerian farmers, getting timely agricultural advice can depend on something as simple as whether an extension officer is available to reach them. But what if farmers could increasingly access expert guidance through digital platforms, artificial intelligence and reliable data—regardless of where they live?
That possibility is now gaining attention as Nigeria considers a major shift in how agricultural extension services are delivered.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for the development of integrated digital infrastructure that could expand agricultural extension services and give farmers faster access to reliable information.
The call was made in Abuja over the weekend at the Africa Agribusiness Extension Summit (AAES) 2026, organised by Extension Africa in partnership with NITDA.
NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, represented at the summit by the Director of e-Government, Salisu Kaka, said Nigeria could no longer depend entirely on conventional face-to-face extension services to serve its growing farming population.
One technology attracting particular attention is artificial intelligence.
According to Inuwa, AI could complement existing agricultural extension workers by connecting farmers with advisory services regardless of their location. AI-powered systems could analyse agricultural trends, generate recommendations and support early-warning mechanisms that help farmers respond to emerging agricultural threats.
But the proposed transformation is not simply about putting technology into farmers’ hands.
NITDA identified interoperability, scalability, security and reliable data as critical requirements for effective digital agricultural services. Rather than creating multiple disconnected platforms, the agency wants an interconnected digital ecosystem where systems and information can work together.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, also called for increased investment in digital agricultural extension services, arguing that modern technology could help improve productivity and strengthen food security.
Kyari pointed to a major weakness in the existing system: the conventional extension structure has weakened over time, while the number of farmers requiring assistance has grown.
Digital platforms, he said, could provide farmers with practical information such as weather alerts and market information while complementing—not replacing—traditional extension services.
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The minister also called for stronger investment by state governments, greater participation by young people and deliberate efforts to ensure women farmers are not left behind.
For Extension Africa CEO Tajudeen Yahaya, the challenge requires more than technology alone. He identified people, data, technology and partnerships as the key pillars needed to strengthen agricultural extension and close last-mile advisory gaps.
The bigger question now is how Nigeria can turn this vision into practical tools that farmers can actually use.
If digital infrastructure, AI, reliable data and human extension workers are successfully connected, agricultural advice could become faster, more accessible and potentially available to farmers far beyond the reach of conventional extension systems.
