The Federal Government has introduced the National Digital Farmers Registry, a joint knowledge-sharing platform designed to establish a harmonised, effective, and secure digital agriculture system.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed this at the Stakeholders Workshop on Best Practices for the NDFR held on Wednesday in Abuja.
He stated that the unveiling aligns squarely with the administration’s priorities for planning and executing the national registry.
However, the workshop was convened by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development and Heifer International.
Kyari noted that the workshop created a forum for government bodies, private sector stakeholders, development partners, implementing agencies, technology innovators, and farmers’ groups to connect with global and regional best practices.
“It also strengthens the multi-stakeholder platform established to ensure that diverse voices contribute to an NDFR that is inclusive, sustainable, and impactful,” he said.
He labeled the NDFR as a cornerstone of the government’s agenda for food security, agricultural productivity, and national economic renewal.
Kyari disclosed that the registry will strengthen data governance and ensure that every farmer in Nigeria is uniquely identified, properly documented, and effectively supported.
“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. It will also enhance accountability and traceability across agricultural value chains,” he said.
The minister said the ministry is working with the National Identity Management Commission on the design of an NIN-enabled registry to ensure a credible national database.
According to him, the collaboration will ensure unique verification of each farmer, significantly reducing duplication, fraud, and fragmentation across agricultural databases.
He added that the ministry is also partnering with the Office of the National Security Adviser to embed strong data-protection measures, cybersecurity safeguards, and national-security considerations into the registry.
“Protecting the data of Nigerian farmers is not only a technical requirement, it is a national priority,” he said.
Kyari outlined that the initiative aligns with the Kampala Declaration on Strengthening Digital and Data Systems for Agricultural Transformation under the CAADP Agenda.
He said the declaration urges African governments to establish harmonised, farmer-centred digital ecosystems, strengthen national data governance, and promote interoperability across agriculture and food systems.
“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 said 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.
IFAD Country Director, Dede Ekoue, said 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-enabled registry that enhances service delivery, promotes transparency, and ensures inclusivity.
Dr Lekan Tobe, the Country Director of Heifer Nigeria said 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.
