EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY TO TRANSFORM NIGERIAN FARMING: ANDY IMUDIA, CALLS FOR YOUTH ENGAGEMENT AND GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS
By Ewere Okonta
08037383019
Ewereokonta20@gmail.com
www.ewereokontablog.org.ng
Andy Imudia, the CEO of Aneuti Limited, is a visionary leader in Nigeria’s agricultural sector with a diverse background in business and public service.
Born and raised in Agbor, Delta State, Mr. Imudia comes from a rich family heritage, being the son of the late Chief J.E. Imudia and Mrs. Esther Imudia. After attending St. Paul’s Primary School and Ika Grammar School, he continued his education at Auchi Polytechnic, where he distinguished himself as a hockey player, he represented the school’s hockey team at the NIPOGA Games in Bauchi. He later earned a degree in English Language and Literature from Bendel State University, Ekpoma (now Ambrose Alli University), and furthered his studies with a master’s degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos.
Mr. Imudia’s professional journey has taken him across sectors, including a successful tenure with SCOA Nigeria PLC and Tata, where he oversaw John Deere Agricultural Equipment for Nigeria and West Africa. He also briefly ventured into politics, according to him, he won the 2004 election for Chairmanship of Ika South Local Government Area, although he was allegedly denied his mandate.
Today, Mr. Imudia leads Aneuti Limited, where he focuses on providing cutting-edge agricultural mechanization solutions to farmers in Nigeria and beyond.
With a wealth of experience and a passion for transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, Andy Imudia remains an influential voice, advocating for technology-driven solutions, government-private sector collaboration, and youth engagement in farming.
In an online interview with the EOB correspondent on the sidelines of the ongoing EXPORPYMES FAIR in La Coruña, Spain, Mr. Andy Imudia, CEO of Aneuti Limited, emphasized the importance of using technology to revolutionize farming in Nigeria and make it more appealing to youth.
Mr. Imudia shared his thoughts on agricultural challenges, opportunities, and the role of both the private sector and government in driving agricultural development in Sub-Saharan Africa. He also provided insights into the herders-farmers crisis in Nigeria and possible strategies to mitigate it in order to improve food security for all.
Addressing the challenges in the agricultural sector, Mr. Imudia remarked, “The challenges facing agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria, are numerous. Many are self-inflicted due to poor governance, lack of infrastructure, dependency on imports, and climate change. Successive political elites have failed to prepare adequately for the needs of the agricultural sector.”
However, he sees vast opportunities in Nigeria, thanks to its arable land, large population, and natural resources. “The government needs to step back from direct involvement in agriculture and focus on providing the necessary infrastructure. The private sector should be encouraged to lead the way by creating a conducive environment for agricultural production,” he said.
He further advocated for policies that promote value addition and regional specialization based on comparative advantages. “For instance, if oil palm thrives in the South-South, we should invest massively in that. Similarly, other regions should focus on crops where they have a natural advantage.”
Mr. Imudia stressed the need for accessible, low-interest loans for farmers and the introduction of technology to enhance mechanization, making farming more attractive to young people.
“Technology-driven solutions—smart and simple—can revolutionize farming and make it more appealing to youths.”
On food insecurity, Mr. Imudia acknowledged it as a global issue but urged greater collaboration between African nations and the West. “We need win-win partnerships that allow for the transfer of technology and value addition in Africa. This will not only meet the needs of the West but also create prosperity here.”
“Herders-farmers conflict has also contributed to the growing food crisis in Nigeria, as insecurity prevents farmers from accessing their lands for fear of violence. Resolving this issue requires joint efforts from the government and private sector through a variety of strategies:
1. Enhanced Security: Strengthen rural security through military and community cooperation, and use technology like drones for monitoring farmland.
2. Ranching and Controlled Grazing: Transition from open grazing to ranching, supported by incentives and infrastructure development for livestock management.
3. Land Use Policies: Implement clear land use plans, create grazing reserves, and establish conflict resolution mechanisms.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: Invest in rural infrastructure such as roads, irrigation, and cold storage to support both farming and livestock.
5. Agricultural Technology: Introduce mechanization and precision farming tools to improve agricultural productivity, and use digital platforms to link farmers and herders to markets.
6. Addressing Root Causes: Tackle poverty and unemployment by creating job opportunities and promoting alternative livelihoods, while investing in environmental restoration projects.
This multi-faceted approach is essential for resolving the conflict, restoring peace, and improving food security in Nigeria.”
On the EXPORPYMES Fair, Mr. Imudia described it as an important platform for fostering collaboration between African and Spanish businesses in the agricultural sector.
“This conference offers an opportunity for partnership, cooperation, and investment between sub-Saharan Africa and Spanish businesses. It is organized by the City Council of La Coruna and the Chamber of Commerce and aims to promote synergy and shared solutions across borders.”
Conclusively, Mr. Imudia reiterated the need for technology and private sector-led initiatives to drive the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, making it not only more efficient but also attractive to the younger generation. “Farming must evolve, and technology is the key to making this happen.”
*Ewere Okonta is the CEO of EOB Media. He writes from the Department of Business Administration, University of Delta, Agbor.*