The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has signed an agreement with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to create a database of Nigerian farmers. This initiative aims to improve food security by ensuring that only genuine farmers receive government interventions. The database farmer register will use the National Identity Number (NIN) and biometric information to verify farmers and their farmlands, addressing agricultural support and planning.
In the first phase, 2 million farmers will be registered within three months, with plans to expand to 6 million in the next stage. The NIMC has committed to capturing biometric data within the set timeline and has formed a working group to implement the process. To ensure inclusivity, the agency will collaborate with private sector partners and use its offices in every local government area to reach farmers in rural communities. Additionally, a financially inclusive card will be introduced to provide multiple benefits for farmers.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized that this effort aligns with the President’s agenda on food security and aims to support real farmers for increased productivity. NIMC Director General, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to enrolling all Nigerian farmers using existing structures and partnerships. The initiative is expected to streamline government interventions and contribute to a more efficient and productive agricultural sector.