A major technology-driven agricultural initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s farming sector through Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things has been launched in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, under a collaborative framework known as Project TAT AI (Transforming Agriculture Through Artificial Intelligence).
The initiative, unveiled following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding among six institutions drawn from academia, engineering, and innovation management, seeks to deploy advanced technologies to improve agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and modernize food production systems in Nigeria.
Project TAT AI is being championed by the Ibom Innovation Network in partnership with the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Centre for Computational Intelligence at the University of Uyo, the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Akwa Ibom State University, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Uyo, and the Technology Incubation Centre, Uyo.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, President of the Ibom Innovation Network, Engr. Hanson Johnson, described the initiative as a transition from conventional agriculture to data-driven farming systems capable of improving efficiency and resilience.
According to him, the integration of Artificial Intelligence with mechanical engineering would provide farmers with predictive and adaptive tools necessary for modern agricultural practices.
Also speaking, the Director of the TETFund Centre for Computational Intelligence at the University of Uyo, Prof. Uduak Asuquo, said the adoption of AI-enabled precision agriculture represented a significant shift in Nigeria’s food production architecture.
He noted that technologies such as soil heat mapping, atmospheric intelligence, and Internet of Things-enabled monitoring systems are increasingly becoming essential tools for ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural development globally.
The project is expected to focus on two critical areas within the agricultural value chain: autonomous harvesting systems and intelligent storage infrastructure.
Developers explained that robotics-driven harvesting technologies would address the growing scarcity and cost of manual agricultural labour, while climate-controlled smart storage systems equipped with IoT sensors would help reduce spoilage and post-harvest waste.
Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Akwa Ibom State chapter, Engr. Dr. Bassey Asanga, said the collaboration aligns with the institution’s mandate to support national development through innovative engineering solutions and sustainable practices.
Similarly, Engr. Dr. Bassey Nkanang called on young innovators, researchers, farmers, and technology partners to participate actively in the initiative, noting that local engagement would be crucial to identifying practical agricultural challenges requiring technological intervention.
Organizers disclosed that some of the innovations emerging from the project would be showcased during the Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2026 scheduled to hold in November at the Ibom Hotels and Golf Resort.
Chairperson of the Akwa Ibom Tech Week Planning Committee, Enoabasi Emah, described the collaboration as a strategic convergence of research, engineering, and innovation capable of stimulating economic growth and technological advancement in the state.
The Technology Incubation Centre, Uyo, also pledged institutional support for the initiative. Manager of the centre, Mrs. Iniobong Elshaddai, assured stakeholders of government-backed support mechanisms aimed at protecting intellectual property and accelerating commercialization opportunities for innovators participating in the project.
Analysts believe Project TAT AI reflects a broader trend across emerging economies where Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and automation are increasingly being integrated into agriculture to improve food production efficiency, climate resilience, and supply chain sustainability.
The project has now entered what stakeholders described as its “Innovator Identification Phase,” with participating institutions seeking collaborations from researchers, technology developers, startups, and agricultural practitioners interested in advancing smart farming solutions in Nigeria.
Discussion about this post