Story By Ambrose Ameh
In Nigeria’s fast-changing economy, the fusion of agriculture and technology is emerging as one of the nation’s most exciting frontiers. From precision farming to e-commerce platforms, the agricultural sector is no longer just about tilling the soil; it is becoming a hub of innovation, empowerment, and inclusive growth.
Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in Lagos State, where bold steps are being taken to reimagine farming as a modern, technology-driven enterprise that empowers youth, uplifts women, and strengthens food security.
For Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems in Lagos, Abisola Olusanya, this shift is not merely a government directive. It is a mission rooted in collaboration, creativity, and tangible community impact. Speaking to EnterpriseCEO Media at the Africa E-commerce Summit, she outlined how the state is weaving technology, entrepreneurship, and strategic partnerships into the fabric of its agricultural vision.
Under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos has launched several groundbreaking initiatives tailored to give young people and women a strong foothold in agribusiness. These programs blend digital tools with hands-on training, offering a pathway to sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance. Among them is the Lagos Agric Scholars Program, a flagship initiative that integrates technology into agricultural learning. Students are trained in modern farming techniques including hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaculture, and smart poultry production, using reticulated systems that highlight efficiency and scalability.
“Through precision agriculture, we can now determine the best planting times, harvesting windows, and fertilizer needs based on data, not guesswork,” Olusanya explained. “This helps farmers produce more with less, ensuring sustainable use of resources.”
Beyond education, Lagos State is investing in smart farming technologies that promise higher productivity with minimal waste. From digital sensors that track soil health to automated irrigation systems, these innovations are laying the foundation for climate-smart agriculture in both urban and peri-urban communities. Olusanya highlighted initiatives such as Waste-to-Wealth programs and training in coconut processing, beekeeping, horticulture, and livestock production. These efforts, she stressed, are not just about training people but about reshaping how they see agriculture, turning it from subsistence into sustainable enterprise.
“We want people to see agriculture as a viable career path, a profitable business, and a powerful tool for national development,” she said.
Another key aspect of Lagos’s agricultural strategy is linking producers directly to markets. By leveraging e-commerce platforms, the state aims to cut out exploitative middlemen, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost farmer incomes. “We need platforms that connect our farmers to digital marketplaces in ways that benefit everyone,” Olusanya noted. “When farmers have direct access to markets, consumers get better prices, food waste is reduced, and incomes rise. Everyone wins.” Through partnerships with the private sector, Lagos is steadily building a digital agricultural ecosystem where local producers can thrive in borderless markets.
Olusanya acknowledged the challenges of reform ranging from climate change to infrastructure gaps but emphasized that resilience, innovation, and inclusivity remain central to the state’s agricultural agenda. For her, mentorship and leadership are just as important as technology. Her message to young Nigerians was pointed and encouraging: “Don’t just wish and hope—start something. Take action. Seek mentors who inspire excellence, especially women who are passionate and resilient. They are out there, doing amazing things across various sectors.”
Looking ahead, the state is preparing to roll out the Produce for Labour Initiative, a program designed to expand local food production while creating employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain. For Olusanya, this is only the beginning. “The reward for hard work is more work,” she reflected. “Now that we’ve built momentum, the real task is sustaining it—ensuring that every farmer, every entrepreneur, and every innovator has a place in Lagos State’s agricultural revolution.”
With leaders like Abisola Olusanya at the helm, Lagos is positioning itself not just as Nigeria’s commercial hub, but as a beacon of agricultural innovation where technology, entrepreneurship, and inclusive policies converge to build a resilient and prosperous future for all.
