General News
NAVSA: Creating A Viable Smart Agriculture For Nigerian Farmers
By Mubarak Umar
One of the major challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural practices for long is lack of relevant information. The challenges have contribute to inability of farmers to meet the rising demands in foods locally, produce high quality agricultural products that meet international standards, have access to financial security which in turn result into importation of food and other agricultural products, thereby making the sector contributes significantly less to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
World population is expected to grow by over a third (or 2.5 billion people) by 2050, according to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This is much slower rate of growth than seen in the past four decades during which it grew by 3.3 billion people (or more than 90 percent). Nearly all of this growth is forecast to take place in the developing countries. Among the latter, sub-Saharan Africa’s population would grow the fastest with 114%. Urbanization is foreseen to continue at an accelerating pace to account for 70% percent of world population in 2050 (up from 49 percent at present) with rural population, after peaking sometime in the next decade, actually declining.
Global economic growth of about 2.9 percent annually would lead to significant reduction or even near elimination of absolute poverty in the developing countries (persons living on less than US$1.25/day in 2005 prices). Nevertheless, advanced countries have focused on providing the agricultural industry with the infrastructure to leverage emerging technology – including big data, cloud computing and the internet of things (IoT) – for tracking, monitoring, automating and analyzing operations.
However, the untapped potential of Nigerian farmers is currently being unfolded, as Federal Government of Nigeria, through Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy introduced National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA), to change the face of agric sector in the country.
National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture being championed by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is an ecosystem-driven digital platform envisioned for the transformation of the agriculture sector in Nigeria. It is designed to help farmers and other agricultural ecosystem players navigate their journey across the agriculture value chain. This journey cuts across farm production to management, processing, harvesting, storage, marketing and consumption.
It will be a source for quality and updated information that can be accessed and used by different strata of agriculture stakeholders irrespective of their educational background or language at no cost.
The initiative is aimed at facilitating the integration of digital technologies and innovations to improve productivity and income of farmers and other ecosystem players at every step of their journey across the agriculture value chain. This is in a bid to position agriculture as a business and an enterprise that potentially attracts youths and talents to create new values and innovations that come with diverse opportunities which never existed before in the agriculture value chain.
By design, it will create business models and opportunities that would stimulate huge jobs and wealth creation and eventually, economic diversification through agriculture.
The Ministry kick-started NAVSA initiatives late 2019 where 15 and 130 farmers benefited from programme, in Gombe and Jigawa respectively, and other states were also enlisted on NITDA’s chart. Currently, 270 farmers were empowered in Jigawa State, 140 in Ekiti State and also 155 in Gombe state.
Describing the impact of NAVSA on Nigeria’s economy, minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), note that the program is one of the policies given to the agencies under the ministry to implement and other agencies will join in the empowerment soon.
NAVSA activities will immensely contribute to the economic growth and employment of the States/local government areas. Partners and Participating States and LGAs are links between the farmers. They provide enabling environment vis-a-vis the existing structure for agriculture at their disposal. Furthermore, they support NAVSA adopted farmers by providing access to land, information, finances and resources and every other thing required for the success of the programme in their respective states/LGAs.
Telecommunications and mobile services are prerequisites to achieve NAVSA strategies. Access to information and other services require smart and web-enabled technologies and mobility services such as call, ussd, sms, ivr, smart devices, internet etc. These services give the beneficiaries access to 2G, 3G and 4G enabled smart devices to guarantee connectivity.
This is to ensure that farmers have access to the best and standard inputs that give rise to improved quality of farm produce. Based on the request, a certain amount of money from each farmer’s seed fund in the digital wallet is disbursed to the input supplier(s) of his/her choice. The inputs items and the amount limit are determined by the calculation in the economics of production for each agriculture production at different stages. Based on each farmer’s request, he/she will be given clearance to collect inputs from the chosen supplier(s).
To enhance financial inclusion and minimise the risk of defaults and mismanagement of funds, all payments go through digital wallets created for farmers through Government licensed digital wallet service providers. Seeds fund allotted to adopted farmers are being disbursed into their digital wallets. Farmers can make requests for payment of inputs and operational related expenses. Two digital wallets have been created for each farmer on the NAVSA platform. They are restricted and unrestricted digital wallets. Farmers in their accounts on the NAVSA platform can view the information on the restricted wallets but they will not be able to access the funds. Access to the funds will go through a request-approval process on NAVSA and third parties digital wallets service providers’ platforms. The request-approval process is to settle farm inputs obligations. Requests must be approved before funds are disbursed.
NAVSA, data-driven digital platform (accessible on the web and mobile app), is expected to facilitate and ease activities of farmers as well as connect all ecosystem players along the agriculture value chain from production to processing and marketing. This will continually create the synergy that contributes to economic development, job and wealth creation.
It contains agriculture-related data and knowledge that can be used by farmers to improve decision making and productivity in food yield and quality. You can also share your knowledge and let’s digitise it for the benefit of farmers.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an electronic declaration system to streamline and enhance compliance for travelers carrying cash into or out of Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Abdullahi Maiwada, NCS spokesperson, emphasized that the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s anti-money laundering framework and reinforce financial regulations.
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the deployment of an Electronic-Currency (E-Currency) declaration form as part of its anti-money laundering measures for travelers carrying cash into and out of Nigeria,” NAN reported. The system will require travelers carrying amounts exceeding the legal threshold to declare them before arrival or departure.
Maiwada further explained the process, stating, “We have developed a system where, even before leaving your point of origin, you can scan a QR code, access the form, fill it out, and we will be able to see it from here.”
He noted that the initiative, set for rollout soon, will enhance monitoring and facilitate information sharing with relevant authorities.
Under the Anti-Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and the NCS Act 2023, travelers carrying over $10,000 (about N15.4 million) or its equivalent in negotiable instruments must declare the funds to Customs authorities.
To boost awareness, the NCS is working with airline operators to inform travelers through onboard announcements and plans to reinstate signage at airports and border points in English and French.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to tighten financial controls following a recent case at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), where Customs officials seized $578,000 from a passenger attempting to evade currency declaration regulations.
General News
Aquaterra Energy Secures Multi-million-dollar well Intervention Contract with Intrepid Energy in Nigeria
Aquaterra Energy, a leader in offshore engineering solutions, has secured a multi-million-dollar, multi-year contract with Intrepid Energy Limited (IEL) to deliver a bespoke subsea well intervention equipment package for a project in Nigeria.
Aquaterra Energy’s turnkey well access package will enable IEL to conduct intervention operations across multiple mature oil wells in the region, supporting enhanced reservoir production.
The contract includes the supply of a complete seabed-to-surface intervention system and package, spanning from the subsea tree to surface intervention equipment.
Key components include Aquaterra Energy’s TRT tieback tooling, which provides production bore and annular access, a lightweight well pressure control system, and an ISO 13628-7 qualified open water intervention riser with an integrated tensioning system. In addition to equipment provision, Aquaterra Energy will also deliver ongoing offshore engineering support throughout the project.
The 7- 3/8” lightweight well access solution, has been specifically engineered for deployment from jack-ups and lift boats. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective and operationally efficient alternative to floating vessels, reducing intervention costs while maintaining high safety and performance standards.
Andrew McDowell, Delivery Director at Aquaterra Energy comments: “Our expertise in offshore engineering allows us to develop tailored intervention solutions that address the operational challenges of subsea well access.
This system has been engineered for efficiency, ease of deployment, and safety, helping IEL optimise intervention activities across Nigeria while reducing costs. By delivering a complete, integrated package, we are simplifying complex operations and enabling operators to maximise production potential.”
Engr Seun Alonge, CEO at Intrepid Energy Limited adds: “Working with Aquaterra Energy marks a significant step forward for our intervention operations in Nigeria. Their specialised technology enhances our ability to execute intervention programmes efficiently, maximising performance across our assets.
By combining Aquaterra’s technical expertise with our deep understanding of the local operating environment, we’re confident this collaboration will enhance production outcomes and create lasting value for our operations in the region.”
The project is set to support intervention operations over multiple years, with Aquaterra Energy providing ongoing technical expertise, with a dedicated team of engineers providing ongoing service support throughout the project.
George Morrison, CEO at Aquaterra Energy: “Delivering reliable and efficient well access solutions for shallow water subsea operations is central to how we support offshore operators.
This collaboration with IEL reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge engineering solutions that enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs. With West Africa playing an important role in the global energy sector, we’re proud to continue supporting its offshore industry with our expertise and innovative technologies.”
Federal government has temporarily suspended the controversial annual dues imposed on public interest enterprises by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) after fierce opposition from businesses.
Jumoke Oduwole, minister, Industry, Trade, and Investment, announced the decision during a Ministerial Consultative Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
The move follows mounting pressure from private sector groups, including the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), who slammed the Financial Reporting Council (Amendment) Act 2023 for burdening companies with excessive fees.
The Act mandates cumulative annual charges for non-listed entities and imposes a harsh 10% monthly penalty on unpaid dues, compounding until full payment, a provision that sparked widespread backlash.
At the meeting, major industry players like NECA, MAN, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce (NACCIMA), oil producers, and telecom operators warned that the fees would cripple businesses already struggling in a tough economy.
Oduwole clarified the suspension, stating, “The government has decided to direct the Financial Reporting Council to pause in the implementation of the new annual dues. You know that I am a lawyer, and a suspension request by the organised private sector would be in contravention of legislation duly passed by the National Assembly. A pause is an administrative process simply to review, in line with what we discussed today.”
She assured stakeholders that the halt would last no longer than 60 days, with a technical working group—including FRC officials and private sector representatives—set up to reassess the policy.
“We are a listening administration. The private sector has requested a range from three months to an indefinite suspension. We are not going to do that. So, at the most, 60 days is in my estimate. We are going to set up a technical working group comprised of the FRC and the organised private sector who have formally written in, and this will be reviewed,” Oduwole emphasized.
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