FG Unveils NIN-Enabled Digital Farmers Registry to Modernise Agriculture Sector

News in Brief

-FG launches National Digital Farmers Registry, a platform to identify and geo-tag farmers nationwide, enabling improved access to inputs and services.

-Integrating the National ID system and cybersecurity protocols will boost transparency, reduce fraud, and support targeted interventions.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the National Digital Farmers Registry (NDFR), a collaborative digital platform designed to unify and secure the country's agricultural data ecosystem.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced this at a stakeholders' workshop on best practices for NDFR.  The workshop was organised by the ministry, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Heifer International.

Kyari described NDFR as a project that will improve Nigeria’s food security by providing a credible, NIN-enabled identification system for all farmers nationwide.

Credible, Secure Digital Database for Nigerian Farmers

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the platform is structured to facilitate targeted agricultural interventions by creating a single, unified database that uniquely identifies every farmer and links them to geo-tagged farm locations. 

“A credible and inclusive NDFR is essential for delivering targeted interventions, improving farmer access to inputs, finance and extension services, and strengthening planning and policy processes," Kyari said. "It will also enhance accountability and traceability across agricultural value chains.”

The minister further revealed that to make the platform a credible national database, the ministry is collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to integrate the National Identification Number (NIN), enabling unique biometric verification of farmers. 

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is also involved in enforcing cybersecurity and data protection measures to ensure the security of the registry. Emphasising data privacy as a national priority, he said, protecting the data of Nigerian farmers is not just a technical requirement.

Aligning with Continental Frameworks

Minister Kyari added that NDFR's launch aligns directly with the Tinubu-led administration's priorities and continental frameworks such as the Kampala Declaration on Strengthening Digital and Data Systems for Agricultural Transformation under the CAADP Agenda.

“By building a unified NIN-enabled registry and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration, Nigeria is demonstrating continental leadership and fulfilling its commitment to the African Union’s vision of data-driven agricultural development. Our work on the NDFR contributes directly to regional integration, accountability and evidence-based planning as envisioned under the CAADP framework,” he said.

Kyari stated that the gathering marks an important moment in the collective resolve to transform Nigeria’s food systems in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directives.

“We must modernise agriculture, strengthen data governance and ensure that every farmer in Nigeria is uniquely identified, properly documented and effectively supported,” he said.

During the workshop, stakeholders, including government agencies, development partners such as IFAD and Heifer International, tech innovators, and farmer associations, collaborated to shape the registry into one that is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful.

IFAD Country Director Dede Ekoue stated that the initiative demonstrates strong government commitment to transforming the agricultural sector and improving the lives of farmers.

She said the goal is to mobilise key stakeholders toward a robust NIN-empowered registry that enhances service delivery, promotes transparency and ensures inclusivity.

Dr Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer Nigeria, confirmed that Heifer and IFAD are supporting policy dialogue on the farmers’ registry, adding that their roles include research on best practices and capacity building.

“For us at Heifer, we lead the global best-practice research to develop a roadmap for the NIN-supported digital farmers registry in Nigeria. We also support the capacity building of stakeholders, among others,” he said.