The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has partnered with the Nigerian Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to establish a comprehensive farmer database aimed at enhancing support for farmers and strengthening food security across Nigeria. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s eight-point agenda on food security.
The database, called the Farmer Register, will use the National Identity Number (NIN) and biometric data to accurately identify genuine farmers and their farmlands. This system will streamline interventions and ensure targeted support for farmers, eliminating duplications and inefficiencies.
During the signing ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, highlighted the significance of the project. “This register will identify real farmers and their farmlands, allowing us to address issues and provide effective support. It will ensure that each farmer has a unique biometric and NIN,” he said.
In the pilot phase, 2 million farmers will be registered within three months, with plans to scale up to 6 million in the second phase. NIMC will utilize its local and state offices, alongside private-sector partnerships, to ensure rural farmers are reached effectively.
The database will also include a financially inclusive card for farmers, offering multiple functionalities to support their agricultural activities.
NIMC Director General Abisoye Coker-Odusote emphasized the commission’s readiness to meet the three-month timeline for capturing farmers’ biometric data. “We are deploying all resources, including offices in every local government and state, to ensure successful enrollment,” she said. Private-sector collaborations will further enhance outreach to farmers in remote areas.
