The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Space Research and Development Agency to create a national framework for Agricultural Produce Traceability. The MoU also covers a framework for farmland monitoring and verification of deforestation free-supply chains, which officials say is becoming increasingly important for global trade.
At the event in Abuja, the government also unveiled the White Paper on Strategy for European Union Deforestation Regulation Compliance in Nigeria. Speaking at the signing, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, said the development was both strategic and symbolic. He explained that it was strategic because it gives Nigeria the systems needed to remain competitive in global markets, and symbolic because it shows a clear commitment to protect farmers and modernise agricultural value chains. According to him, “It equips Nigeria with the systems required to remain competitive in global markets. It is symbolic because it represents our collective resolve to protect our farmers, modernise our value chains and build an agricultural sector that stands strong on the global stage.”
Kyari said President Bola Tinubu had made agriculture a central part of the national strategy for economic renewal, stability and inclusive growth. He stated that the MoU between the ministry and NASRDA sets up the architecture for a national traceability and environmental monitoring system. He added that NASRDA will provide satellite imagery, real time monitoring and technical leadership, while the ministry will coordinate farmer engagement, policy integration and national implementation.
The minister said the EUDR had introduced a new standard for agricultural exports, noting that Nigeria’s commodities must now be traceable to the exact farm boundary, legally produced and verified as deforestation free. He warned that Nigeria risks losing over one billion dollars in direct export earnings and more than three billion dollars in total economic value each year if it fails to meet the new requirements. He said that with the right systems, the country could turn compliance into an advantage by opening access to premium markets and improving farmer incomes.
In his words, “We can build a transparent, efficient and globally trusted agricultural economy. We can open new premium markets, attract stronger investment and deliver better incomes for our farmers. We will not build a system that leaves any farmer behind.”
In a goodwill message, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Mathew Adepoju, said the agency is using space technology and agricultural satellites to trace produce. He added, “We will like to strengthen our working relationship with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. We will continuously support your programmes and initiatives.” He said NASRDA would ensure full implementation of the MoU.
Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, described the event as a major step to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural system, noting that traceability and deforestation are now central issues globally. Dr Tolulope Pius-Fadipe, Head of Research and Development at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, expressed the commission’s commitment to data security and protecting citizens’ information.
