... initiate a combined national digital database The federal government has initiated a new effort to standardize and clean up Nigeria...
... initiate a combined national digital database
The federal government has initiated a new effort to standardize and clean up Nigeria's scattered farmer data systems. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), organized a National Stakeholder Workshop on Best Practices for the National Digital Farmers Registry (NDFR) in Abuja.
Opening the workshop, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated that Nigeria needs to quickly shift from its long-term practice of multiple, conflicting farmer databases to a single, reliable, and tech-based national registration system.
He characterized the NDFR as a key component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and a significant move toward transparent, focused, and responsible agricultural initiatives.
Kyari stated that previous programs within federal and state agencies, along with donor-supported projects, had resulted in overlapping databases filled with duplication, discrepancies, and gaps. "The time of scattered farmer databases should transition to standardization and digital effectiveness," he mentioned.
He announced that the new registry is being developed in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and based on the National Identification Number (NIN) to guarantee that each farmer is distinctly recognized.
The program also involves marking farmers and their farmlands with geographical tags to boost transparency, remove fake recipients, and improve the precision of planning.
"We are integrating robust data protection standards, cybersecurity measures, and national security protocols into the system," Kyari mentioned, highlighting that the NDFR will improve the delivery of inputs, extension services, credit, insurance, mechanization, and market support with accuracy and equity.
The Minister highlighted that a centralized database would not only deter fraud but also enhance the government's ability to monitor production trends, planting cycles, and supply movements, which are crucial for predicting disruptions and ensuring national food security.
He mentioned that the system corresponds to the African Union's Kampala Declaration regarding digital and data systems in agriculture, placing Nigeria as a regional example for data-focused development.
He emphasized that the registry should represent Nigeria's full agricultural scene, including smallholders, young agripreneurs, women-run businesses, pastoralists, cooperatives, and large-scale producers to promote inclusive development.
He further mentioned that the workshop acts as a collaborative platform involving government bodies, researchers, development partners, technology developers, and farmer organizations to establish a strong digital infrastructure for the sector.
In her initial comments, IFAD Country Director, Mrs Dede Ekoue, praised the Federal Government for its courageous move to implement a single, NIN-based farmer registration system, calling it a significant change towards effective service provision and better living conditions. She also recognized the guidance of Senator Kyari in facilitating a unified national discussion to enhance the system.
Ekoue pointed out IFAD's partnership with Heifer International and other organizations since the policy discussion started in May 2025, thanking everyone for their joint dedication.
She mentioned that the two-day workshop would provide strategic suggestions to enhance the registry's structure and execution, while also strengthening knowledge of global best practices.
"This program represents a major advancement in reshaping Nigeria's agricultural industry. Let us fully utilize the expertise and make use of the NDFR Knowledge Sharing Platform to aid government initiatives aimed at creating a more effective and equitable agri-food system," she stated.
The event also included the official introduction of the NDFR Capacity Development Program and the Multi-Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Platform, designed to act as an ongoing center for cooperation, education, and alignment throughout the agricultural sector.
As Nigeria's farmer data becomes standardized, experts believe the nation is moving towards creating one of Africa's most sophisticated digital agricultural frameworks, marking a new period of openness, responsibility, and focused assistance for millions of farmers across the country.
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