Young Kaduna Innovator Secures ₦5m Funding Boost at NASENI InnovateNaija Awards.

A young innovator from Anchau, Kaduna State, Abdulrahaman Bin Umar, has secured a total of ₦5 million in startup funding following his recognition at the 2026 NASENI InnovateNaija Innovation Challenge.

According to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Bin Umar, an undergraduate studying English Language, received ₦2.5 million from the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani provided a matching ₦2.5 million, bringing his total support to ₦5 million.

Bin Umar’s innovation, identified by the ministry as SmartFarm, uses drone technology to spray farmland. The ministry reports that the technology can cover up to 11 hectares in an hour and is designed to support smallholder farmers with more efficient agricultural services.

The awards ceremony also recognised other innovators from across Nigeria. Adaeze Ruth Akpagbula of Abia State emerged as the overall national winner, receiving ₦100 million for her innovation. Oluwatoyin Ogundeji of Ondo State received ₦30 million as first runner-up, while Aminu Saleh Jino of Katsina State received ₦20 million as second runner-up.

Beyond the national prizes, each of the 37 state and Federal Capital Territory champions received ₦2.5 million from NASENI. Additional matching grants from the governors of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Kaduna and Plateau states increased the reported support for their respective champions to ₦5 million each.

The competition formed part of NASENI’s effort to identify promising homegrown innovations and help their developers turn ideas into viable businesses. The awards covered different innovation programmes, including InnovateNaija, FutureMakers and the agency’s intra-agency and inter-agency competitions.

Bin Umar’s achievement highlights the contribution young people in Northern Nigeria can make to technology and agricultural development. If made accessible and affordable, drone-based farm services could help farmers improve the efficiency of spraying operations. The wider benefits, however, will depend on cost, availability and performance in real farming conditions.