The Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies (4IRTA) which is meant to optimise Nigeria’s economy has been launched by the Federal Government on Monday and applications declared open.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, disclosed this in a statement on X with the aim to motivate and stimulate technology use.
“Our intent is to encourage and inspire the use of technology, especially Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies like UAV, IoT, AI & Blockchain, to optimise different sectors of our economy,” Tijani said.
“So, I’m pleased to announce the launch our first 4IRTA initiative https://4irta.nitda.gov.ng in Agriculture.”
He also said that the Agriculture Demonstration Project will allow Nigeria identify the mainstream market-ready innovations that leverage these 4IR technologies to increase the country’s agricultural sector’s sustainability and productivity.
These projects are intended to serve as pilot to demonstrate how these technologies can be successfully applied in Nigeria.
Up to N10,000,000 in financing will be awarded to projects that demonstrate a deeper integration of 4IR technology into their operations.
Selected pilot farms will receive assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, which will also help them find a route towards sustainability and scalability.
The Minister states that applications are now open at https://4irta.nitda.gov.ng and will run till Thursday, December 7, 2023.
In a related development, Tijani said on X that an improved connectivity for Nigerians is a critical infrastructure for economic growth in the country.
“As we co-create innovative solutions in our digital economy, we are actively learning about policy tools and financing models from other parts of the world that will help connect the unserved and underserved,” he posted.
He said that one of the main results of Nigeria’s infrastructure pillar is closing the digital divide, and the discussion on creating the ideal funding model to finance broadband connectivity at the working group organised by the UN Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, Smart Africa, and other partners is a critical first step in that direction.
Ugochi Olivia Ubah is an Educator and a Writer
