The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi has inaugurated the National Electronic Extension Platform (NEEP) back-end office to provide real-time solutions to Nigerian farmers and improve agricultural extension services.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Abdullahi stated that the platform would play a crucial role in addressing challenges in Nigeria’s agricultural extension system. He noted that the current extension agent-to-farmer ratio of 1:25,000 is inadequate for effective agricultural development.
The minister emphasised that NEEP will enhance outreach efforts, ensuring that farmers receive immediate access to agricultural knowledge, improved techniques and innovative practices to boost productivity. He explained that the platform offers real-time, cost-effective and interactive services, reducing the security risks associated with traditional extension services.
“Farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector will now have access to impactful agricultural information in real time. The platform is interactive, cost-effective and eliminates the risks posed by insecurity,” Abdullahi said.
He further highlighted that NEEP will be available in multiple languages, including English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo, allowing farmers with limited formal education to benefit.
“Farmers will be able to ask questions and receive real-time answers, while extension agents will have a comprehensive database of agricultural knowledge at their fingertips,” he added.
According to him, the launch of NEEP aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda for national food security. “It is our hope that NEEP, as the master online extension agent, will serve Nigerian farmers effectively, contributing to the realisation of President Tinubu’s vision for food security,” he stated.
In his welcome address, director of the federal department of agricultural extension services, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou emphasized the critical role of agricultural extension services in translating research findings and innovative agricultural practices into practical solutions for farmers.
He noted that research is vital to agricultural development and the efforts of Agricultural Research Institutes can only be fully realised through a structured extension system.
A statement from the ministry’s director of information signed by Ikemefuna Ezeaja highlighted that the event’s key moment was the unveiling of the NEEP back-end office by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security.
