The Nigerian Navy has launched a new agricultural initiative to increase crop production and self-sufficiency, supporting the Nigerian Government’s efforts to improve food security.
At an event held in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, revealed that the Navy has established the Admiralty Integrated Farms Limited (ADIFAL) Coordination Centre and unveiled its official logo.
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Navy), Rear Admiral Ibrahim Dewu, Ogalla said the project marks “a significant milestone” in national development.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the President’s directive encouraging the Armed Forces to actively engage in agriculture to help tackle national issues like farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and widespread food shortages.
“It is heartwarming to see our naval personnel taking up this challenge with dedication and patriotism, exemplifying the spirit of service and commitment that defines our Armed Forces,” Ogalla said.
He applauded ADIFAL’s leadership and personnel for their efforts and urged them to maintain their commitment to achieving the project’s goals.
Ogalla also stressed the importance of civil-military collaboration: “Our interactions should be fair, respectful and rooted in the shared goal of national development. Civil-military synergy is crucial in achieving sustainable solutions, especially in areas such as agriculture, where the benefits extend across all facets of the society.”
He added, “Your efforts will not only contribute to food sufficiency but will also promote peace and stability in our communities and the entire country.”
Rear Admiral Julius Nwago, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ADIFAL, explained that the initiative takes inspiration from global examples where the military plays a role in agriculture to support national food goals.
Nwago outlined the project’s modern approach, stating the farm would follow a “comprehensive precision agriculture model” from land clearing and crop selection to harvesting and storage.
He highlighted the role of technology, saying: “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are key enablers in each stage, providing data-driven insights that help maximise yield, reduce waste, and improve decision-making.”
To achieve this, ADIFAL has developed the ADIFAL Agro-Precision Farming Platform to help farmers practice data-informed agriculture.
“This platform draws on data from Satellites, Radar, Drones, and Live Visual/Audio Feeds to deliver intelligent recommendations throughout the agricultural lifecycle,” he said.
Nwago added that the platform uses predictive and generative AI to give farmers real-time feedback and support during the planting season.
The Coordination Centre in Abuja will serve as the central hub for this digital operation, which is expected to boost food production, strengthen national security, and reduce dependence on food imports.
