A New Chapter for Nigeria Flying Labs

After more than six years of developing indigenous robotics and technology skills to improve livelihoods in their country, Nigeria Flying Labs will be leaving the Flying Labs Network. 

Since joining the Network in 2019, the team has focused on applying drones, drone data, robotics, and GIS to address local challenges while creating opportunities for communities across the country. Their work has demonstrated the value of locally led innovation and the important role that emerging technologies can play in agriculture, education, and disaster resilience. 

Agriculture

A major focus of their work has been supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector. In response to growing unemployment and low productivity in agriculture, the team pioneered technology-driven solutions designed to de-risk agricultural innovation, improve farmer livelihoods, and create employment opportunities for young people. Projects that demonstrate their impact in agricultural innovation include the following.

• They explored the development of a Smart Farming Center at the Federal College of Agriculture Akure, envisioning the center as a hub for digital agricultural innovation. The project also included the development of a mobile application to support assisted record-keeping for smallholder farmers to improve agricultural decision-making.
• Applying drone technology to environmental and land management challenges, they mapped erosion-prone areas at Edo College to support efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable communities and infrastructure. 
• They worked on improving the profitability of crop farming for smallholder farmers through the development of automated weeding machines adapted to the Nigerian farming context. The proposed solar-powered autonomous weed removal machine was designed to operate with minimal human interaction while accounting for local terrain and crop planting structures. 
• They used drones, GIS, and soil science to improve farm management on a 13-hectare farm in Oko Oba, Mamu, Nigeria. Through aerial mapping and soil analysis, the project provided farmers with insights into land boundaries, soil fertility, accessibility, and input needs, and this supported their decision-making on land management and future investment decisions. 

STEM

Beyond agriculture, Nigeria Flying Labs invested significantly in STEM education. Through a range of programmes focused on robotics and drone technology, the team worked to ensure young people are prepared for a technology-driven future and able to compete globally within the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Their STEM initiatives included drone training programmes for secondary school students, designed to spark curiosity while offering practical, hands-on learning experiences. In 2025, Nigeria Flying Labs co-organised the BLSC Annual STEM Camp, delivering drone technology training to teenagers and children over a three-week programme. During the event’s grand finale, the team also delivered a keynote address on the future of STEM in Africa and the role drones can play in education.

Disaster Risk Management

In 2023, the Nigeria Flying Labs undertook a project using WeRobotics’ Turning Data into Action (TDIA) methodology to assess flood vulnerabilities in Ondo State using drone and geospatial data. The insights gathered would thereafter support proactive measures aimed at reducing the impact of flooding on households and businesses. The project provided a valuable demonstration of the importance of collaboration with local authorities in addressing complex challenges such as disaster management. By engaging institutions that shape policy, allocate resources, and coordinate response systems, the team showed how locally grounded partnerships can help turn innovative ideas into tangible impact.

Another example of Nigeria Flying Labs’ impact in disaster management include an aerial mapping mission in Oke Ijebu, Akure, which showcased how drones, robotics, and Earth observation technologies can be used to strengthen disaster risk reduction efforts and improve community resilience.

A Big Thank You

We are deeply grateful for everything Nigeria Flying Labs has contributed during its time in the Network, including the many ways the team collaborated with and shared knowledge across the broader Flying Labs community. As the team moves towards new opportunities, we wish them continued success.

In light of this change, the license for Nigeria Flying Labs is now available. We encourage organisations and companies in Nigeria that are interested in joining the Flying Labs Network to learn more about the Network and its membership requirements and thereafter submit their applications.