A data scientist, Francis Kester Isimhanze, has urged Nigeria to adopt data science as a central tool in addressing insecurity, food production gaps, and economic instability.
In a statement, Isimhanze argued that the effective application of data analysis could enable policymakers and businesses to make targeted interventions across key sectors. “Nigeria’s financial sector has already shown the possibilities,” he said. “Fintech companies are using data to improve lending decisions, detect fraud, and expand access to banking for millions of previously excluded people.”
He pointed to the role of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) in providing real-time transaction data as an example of how data infrastructure can support innovation.
“Leveraging NIBSS’s vast transaction datasets can enable deeper insights into consumer spending, fraud detection, and financial inclusion trends. With proper analysis, policymakers could design targeted interventions to expand credit access and support small businesses,” he added.
Isimhanze noted that similar models could strengthen tax collection, reduce leakages in public spending, and improve budgetary forecasts. He also identified the oil and gas sector as one that would benefit from predictive data analysis. According to him, using data to improve equipment maintenance and demand forecasting would reduce downtime, increase efficiency, and create a more stable environment for investors.
On agriculture, he said data applications such as satellite imagery and weather analysis could help farmers make better planting decisions, predict rainfall, and manage pests, thereby improving yields and reducing losses. He pointed to practices in India and Turkey where machine learning has been applied to farming with measurable results.
“Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers of labour, but productivity is low compared to global standards. Data science offers tools to change this. In other countries, like Turkey, researchers have applied machine learning to farming with positive results. “In the same vein, Nigeria can apply machine learning in the agricultural sector by analysing satellite imagery and weather data to help farmers predict rainfall and reduce losses, crop selection and pest management”.
Isimhanze also highlighted the role of data in national security. He explained that mapping crime hotspots and monitoring movement patterns through data analysis could strengthen law enforcement and help prevent terrorist attacks.
As Nigeria deepens its digital economy, he stressed the importance of cybersecurity. Citing Estonia’s experience, he said robust digital defences are necessary to protect financial transactions, e-commerce, and government services.
He further suggested that building local expertise in data science could make Nigeria a hub for outsourcing data services in Africa, creating new revenue streams and jobs. However, he cautioned that gaps in data governance, corruption, and lack of transparency could hinder progress. “Without addressing these challenges, the benefits of data science will remain elusive for many Nigerians,” he warned.
