Leading figures in Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector have underscored the pivotal influence of agricultural technology (AgriTech) alongside open data initiatives as vital drivers for advancing Nigeria’s digital economy, particularly by promoting inclusivity and boosting rural development.
At the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG) in Abuja, during the session titled “Design Workshops Building Productive Sectors: Investing in the Digital Economy,” Toluwaleke Adenmosun, senior partner at Verraki, highlighted agriculture as a sector ripe for digital transformation.
“Some stakeholders have championed the creation of open data platforms to simplify the procurement process for agricultural goods, while others advocate for AgriTech innovations to streamline and formalize the agricultural supply chain,” Adenmosun remarked.
She also drew attention to the lack of clarity in tax and levy frameworks that impose significant burdens on businesses, calling for digital tools to improve transparency and ease compliance.
“Businesses face not only official taxes but also a myriad of levies and fees. Introducing a user-friendly digital platform that clearly outlines all required payments and confirms their settlement could be a quick and effective solution,” she explained.
Adenmosun emphasized that the success of such initiatives hinges on strong leadership, whether from government agencies or private sector champions.
“This is not solely a government responsibility. There must be a committed entity to lead the project, manage its implementation, and provide education to farmers and other stakeholders,” she added.
Participants also stressed the necessity of awareness programs, noting that many farmers remain unaware of digital tools that could significantly improve their productivity and market access.
Olabode Ojo, vice president of Global Independent Connect Limited (GICL), a subsidiary of IHS Towers Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding digital infrastructure in underserved areas.
“At GICL and IHS, our goal is to establish the essential infrastructure that underpins Nigeria’s growing digital economy,” Ojo stated.
He noted that the company has deployed over 600 rural connectivity sites across 26 states and installed more than 16,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables, supporting mobile networks including 2G, 3G, and 4G.
“These developments have enhanced rural communities’ access to education, healthcare, and digital financial services, contributing to broader socio-economic progress,” he added.
Ojo also referenced government-led projects by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, which aim to deploy 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure and establish 7,000 rural telephony sites nationwide.
“While ambitious, these goals are achievable,” he affirmed. “We are prepared to collaborate with the government to realize these plans.”
Although agriculture is not GICL’s core focus, Ojo acknowledged its critical role within the digital economy and the importance of solid infrastructure to enable farmers’ access to essential data.
“Meeting these targets requires a concerted effort from all involved parties,” he concluded. “With sustained focus and cooperation, these ambitions can be fulfilled.”
There is a shared understanding among stakeholders that ongoing investment from both public and private sectors in AgriTech, open data platforms, and rural connectivity is crucial to nurturing a more inclusive and vibrant digital economy in Nigeria.