Hanson Johnson has announced the launch of Project TAT AI (Transforming Agriculture Through Artificial Intelligence), a major collaborative initiative aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector through the deployment of artificial intelligence, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.
The initiative, unveiled in Akwa Ibom State, seeks to address some of the country’s most pressing agricultural challenges, including labor shortages, inefficient farming practices, and post-harvest losses that continue to impact food production and supply chains nationwide.
Describing the project as a “Lab-to-Land” mission, Johnson said the initiative is designed to move technological innovation beyond research environments and into practical agricultural use across farming communities.
According to the project team, one of the major focus areas will be autonomous harvesting systems powered by robotics to help farmers tackle the growing scarcity and rising cost of manual labor within the agricultural sector.
The project will also deploy smart storage systems using IoT-enabled sensors capable of monitoring environmental conditions to reduce crop spoilage and minimize post-harvest losses before produce reaches the market.
In addition, Project TAT AI plans to introduce precision agriculture technologies, including soil heat mapping and atmospheric intelligence systems, to improve farming decisions, increase productivity, and strengthen food security across Nigeria.
To drive the initiative, a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between six major institutions and organizations, forming a coalition focused on advancing agricultural innovation in the state.
The participating organizations include Ibom Innovation Network, Nigerian Institution of Mechanical Engineers, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State University, and the Technology Incubation Centre Uyo.
Speaking on the broader impact of the initiative, Johnson stated that the project is not only about introducing technology into agriculture but also about strengthening economic resilience and equipping farmers with predictive and adaptive tools to scale their operations sustainably.
“We are providing farmers with the tools to predict, adapt, and scale. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about economic resilience,” he said.
The first wave of innovations developed under Project TAT AI is expected to be showcased internationally during Akwa Ibom Tech Week 2026 scheduled for November 2026.
Organizers have also issued a call for participation from young technology talents, innovators, and farmers interested in contributing to the initiative and supporting the development of next-generation agricultural solutions powered by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Stakeholders believe the launch of Project TAT AI could position Akwa Ibom as an emerging hub for agricultural technology innovation while supporting Nigeria’s broader push toward smart farming, food security, and digital transformation in agriculture.
