The Federal Government has unveiled the National Digital Farmers Registry (NDFR), a collaborative knowledge-exchange platform designed to create a unified, efficient, and secure digital ecosystem for Nigerian agriculture.
The launch was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during a Stakeholders Workshop on Best Practices for the NDFR held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The workshop was organised in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Heifer International.
Kyari emphasised that the registry is central to the government’s agenda for food security, agricultural productivity, and national economic renewal.
“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,” he said.
The minister explained that the NDFR will uniquely identify and document every farmer in Nigeria, strengthening data governance and enhancing accountability across agricultural value chains.
In partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the registry will be NIN-enabled, reducing duplication, fraud, and fragmentation in agricultural databases.
Kyari also highlighted collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to embed cybersecurity safeguards and protect farmers’ data, describing data protection as a national priority.
“This initiative aligns with the Kampala Declaration on Strengthening Digital and Data Systems for Agricultural Transformation under the CAADP agenda.
“Nigeria is taking continental leadership in building a unified, farmer-centered digital ecosystem that supports regional integration, evidence-based planning, and accountability, ” he said.
Kyari noted that the registry represents a critical step in modernizing Nigeria’s agriculture and delivering on President Bola Tinubu’s directives for a data-driven, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector.
IFAD Country Director, Dede Ekoue, praised the initiative, saying it demonstrated the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
She added that the registry aims to ensure inclusivity, transparency, and enhanced service delivery.
Dr. Lekan Tobe, Country Director of Heifer Nigeria, noted that Heifer and IFAD will support research on global best practices and stakeholder capacity building to ensure the success of the NIN-enabled digital registry.
The workshop brought together government agencies, private sector actors, development partners, implementing organizations, technology innovators, and farmers’ associations to engage in knowledge sharing and adopt best practices for the NDFR.
