LNRBDA Trains Staff in AI and Tools to Enhance Food Security
Introduction to the Training Initiative
The Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority (LNRBDA) has taken a significant step towards modernizing its operations by training over 90 members of its staff on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced management tools. This initiative is aimed at improving service delivery and supporting national food sufficiency efforts.
The Role of AI in Enhancing Operations
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of LNRBDA, Engineer George-Olumoroti Olusola, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader objective of increasing food production and reducing the cost of food across the country. He highlighted that the five-day capacity-building programme, organized by the management of the parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, was designed to equip staff with contemporary skills required to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
Focus on Effective Service Delivery
The training, themed "Effective Service Delivery," focused on equipping participants with the necessary tools to enhance their work. According to Olusola, the authority is repositioning itself to operate with greater efficiency and professionalism. He explained that the training is about capacity building, aimed at sharpening the expertise of staff.
“We are in an era where productivity is key. We want to run government business as proper business. To achieve that, we must continuously upgrade skills and build capacity,” he said.
Impact on Project Execution and Irrigation Management
Olusola further noted that improved staff competence would translate into better project execution, enhanced irrigation management, and more effective support for farmers, all of which are critical to achieving food security. He also mentioned that the training included modules covering inter-directorate collaboration, systems thinking, and leadership management skills.
Strengthening Teamwork and Collaboration
One of the resource persons at the training, Dr. Lawal Kola Maruf, a retired director of the authority, stated that the training was designed to strengthen teamwork within the organization. He emphasized that effective collaboration is essential for delivering results in a complex system like river basin management.
“The goal is to raise the capacity of staff to work together as a team rather than as isolated individuals,” he said.
Practical Sessions on AI-Driven Tools
Participants also received practical sessions on the use of AI-driven tools, including drone technology, to support agricultural planning and monitoring. A Chief Civil Engineer with the authority, Engineer Lekan Oladosu, shared his insights on how the training broadened participants’ understanding of AI beyond theory.
“Many of us were familiar with the concept, but not in relation to service delivery. AI is a tool that enables better and faster processes, from reporting and seasonal planning to application timing. It helps eliminate delays and supports the transition from paper-based processes to paperless systems,” he said.
Participant Perspectives
Similarly, an officer in the Information Unit of the authority, Ganiya Sanni Lawal, described the program as impactful. She noted that the training equipped them to enhance service delivery in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and contribute meaningfully to national growth.
“We learnt new things, unlearnt some and relearnt others. The training has equipped us to enhance service delivery in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and to contribute meaningfully to national growth,” she said.
Future Prospects
The management expressed optimism that the newly acquired knowledge would strengthen institutional performance and position the authority to play a more strategic role in advancing agricultural development and food security in the Lower Niger Basin and beyond.
