A young Nigerian tech expert, Murphy Usifo, currently based in Dubai, UAE, has highlighted how digital applications can enhance the agricultural value chain, attract investments, and tackle insecurity through improved policing and crime reporting.

In an interview with journalists in Abuja, Usifo revealed that he developed an app for the U.S. government to empower soybean farmers, guiding them through the farming process. Since the app’s launch, it has contributed to a $10 billion increase in soybean export volume.

Usifo, a Petroleum Engineering graduate from the University of Benin and former intern at Chevron Nigeria, designs apps for various sectors, including gaming and oil and gas. He emphasised that third parties cannot solve problems in the petroleum industry due to companies’ strong focus on data security.

“You can’t solve problems as a third party or consultant in the oil and gas sector. Full-time staff are usually the only ones entrusted with these tasks because of data security concerns,” he explained. “During my internship, I couldn’t do much since interns lack decision-making power.”

On agricultural transformation, Usifo advised the Nigerian government to adopt digital solutions, stressing the need for extension workers to train farmers. “The difference between the app I designed for the U.S. and one for Nigeria would be education. Many Nigerian farmers lack the digital literacy needed to use farming apps effectively, so the focus should be on training through extension workers.”

Usifo suggested the app could serve as a marketplace for farm produce and a platform for investment. “Farmers could connect with buyers directly, reducing the need to travel to markets. Investors could also use the app to fund farms and share profits.”

On security, Usifo mentioned his 2021 pitch to the Nigeria Police Force to improve their crime reporting platform. “The goal was to simplify documentation and enhance public accountability.”

He also emphasised the app’s role in wealth creation, stating, “Wealth comes from creating opportunities, not just earning a salary. Through the app, investors can connect with farmers to share profits, encouraging exports and lowering production costs.”

Usifo further disclosed that he had trained over 600 people in the last four years, with some now working in Germany and the UK. “Two of my trainees are currently in Germany, relocated by their companies, and two others are in the UK,” he added.