By Simeon Shodimu
“Akwa Ibom Unveils AI, Robotics Initiative To Modernise Agriculture”
As technology continues to reshape global agriculture, stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State are embracing artificial intelligence and robotics as tools for transforming Nigeria’s food production systems. In a bold move aimed at boosting productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and modernising farming operations, a coalition of engineers, academics, and government institutions has launched a collaborative initiative designed to integrate AI-driven solutions into agriculture.
A coalition of engineers, academics, and government agencies in Akwa Ibom State has launched an ambitious initiative to deploy robotics and artificial intelligence across farms in a bid to improve agricultural productivity and tackle post-harvest losses.
The initiative, known as Transforming Agriculture Through Artificial Intelligence (TAT AI), was unveiled through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by six institutions drawn from academia, engineering, innovation, and government agencies.
According to a statement issued by the partners, the agreement brought together the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State University, the Technology Incubation Centre in Uyo, the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Akwa Ibom Chapter, and the Ibom Innovation Network.
The project is expected to introduce precision agriculture technologies, autonomous harvesting systems, smart storage solutions, and climate-monitoring tools to farms across the state.
Speaking during the launch, President of the Ibom Innovation Network, Hanson Johnson, said the initiative represented a major shift from traditional farming methods to data-driven and technology-enabled agricultural systems.
He noted that integrating artificial intelligence with mechanical engineering would equip farmers with modern tools capable of improving efficiency, predicting climate-related challenges, and increasing yields.
“We are moving beyond the era of farming by chance. By integrating AI with mechanical engineering, we are providing farmers with the tools to predict, adapt, and scale. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about economic resilience for the entire region,” Johnson said.
Stakeholders at the event observed that climate change, crop pests, and plant diseases continue to threaten agricultural productivity globally, accounting for significant annual losses.
Industry estimates cited during the launch indicated that pests and diseases contribute to nearly 40 per cent of global agricultural losses each year, with changing climate conditions expected to worsen the challenge.
Johnson explained that the TAT AI project would concentrate on mechanised harvesting and post-harvest storage, which he described as some of the weakest points in Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
According to him, the initiative plans to deploy autonomous robotic systems to reduce dependence on expensive and increasingly scarce manual labour during harvesting operations.
He added that the project would also introduce Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and climate-controlled storage facilities designed to minimise spoilage and preserve the quality of harvested produce before it reaches the market.
“Project TAT AI zeroes in on the two most broken links in Nigeria’s food chain. The first is the harvesting stage, where the project plans to deploy autonomous robotics to address the soaring cost and scarcity of manual labour. The second is post-harvest storage, where IoT sensors and climate-controlled environments will be used to prevent crops from spoiling before they reach the market,” he stated.
Experts at the event described precision agriculture as a critical component of future food security strategies.
The Director of the TETFund Centre for Computational Intelligence at the University of Uyo, Prof. Uduak Asuquo, said technologies such as AI-powered soil analysis, atmospheric intelligence, and digital mapping were becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture.
“With the adoption of precision agriculture, there is a turning point in the agricultural landscape. IoT and AI are no longer experimental approaches — they are essential technologies for global food security,” Asuquo said.
Organisers disclosed that the initiative would adopt a “Lab-to-Land” model aimed at testing research innovations developed in academic institutions under practical farming conditions.
The approach, according to stakeholders, is expected to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-life agricultural application.
Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Akwa Ibom Chapter, Dr Bassey Asanga, said the collaboration aligned with the institution’s commitment to national development through engineering innovation and sustainable solutions.
“This is a fulfilling part of our mission: contributing to national development through innovative engineering solutions and sustainable practices,” Asanga stated.
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Akwa Ibom State University, Dr Bassey Nkanang, called on farmers, innovators, and development partners to actively participate in the initiative to ensure its long-term success.
The Manager of the Technology Incubation Centre, Uyo, Mrs Iniobong Elshaddai, assured innovators participating in the project of institutional support, including assistance with intellectual property protection and commercialisation.
Globally, artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming agriculture through crop monitoring systems, automated irrigation, predictive analytics, and precision fertiliser application.
Observers say the Akwa Ibom initiative reflects a growing recognition that technology-driven agriculture could play a major role in improving food security, creating jobs, and boosting economic resilience in Nigeria.
Caption:
Akwa Ibom stakeholders embrace artificial intelligence and robotics to revolutionise agriculture, improve food security, and reduce post-harvest losses through smart farming technologies.
