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28-Jan-2025

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FG Plans to Open NIN-Enabled Farmer's Registry to Boost Agriculture Sector 3 months ago

FG Plans to Open NIN-Enabled Farmer's Registry to Boost Agriculture Sector

Abuja, Nigeria – In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the agriculture sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the establishment of a comprehensive farmers' registry linked to the National Identification Number (NIN). This initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance the provision of grants, subsidies, and resources to farmers across the country, thereby improving service delivery in the agriculture sector.

The new registry is expected to facilitate the identification and registration of farmers throughout Nigeria, creating a robust database that will serve as a vital resource for future agricultural policies and interventions. The initiative was formalized through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigeria's identity management agency.

Leveraging the NIN for a Comprehensive Database

According to the NIMC, the NIN-enabled Farmer Registry will enable the government to establish an extensive database of farmers. By linking each farmer's registration to their unique NIN, the initiative promises to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of agricultural service delivery. This comprehensive database is also designed to support the implementation of the Government-to-People (G2P) card system, which will ensure that subsidies, grants, and other essential resources are delivered directly to farmers without bureaucratic delays.

"This initiative aims to streamline farmers' registration and create a reliable database for them," said an NIMC representative. "With this system in place, we can ensure accurate and efficient delivery of agricultural services, ultimately contributing to the overall growth of the sector."

The Role of Agriculture in Nigeria's Economy

Nigeria is home to over 220 million people, and its agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the nation's economy. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), agriculture contributed 25.01% to the nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of 2024. While this figure shows a slight decline from the preceding quarter of 2024, where agriculture contributed 26.36%, it is an improvement compared to the 18.54% recorded in the second quarter of the same year.

Agriculture remains a vital livelihood for millions of Nigerians, providing not only food security but also employment and income generation. However, the sector grapples with numerous challenges, including limited access to funding, high post-harvest losses, and inefficiencies in subsidy distribution. The introduction of the NIN-enabled farmer's registry is expected to mitigate some of these challenges by ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most.

The Government-to-Person (G2P) Card System

The initiative is closely aligned with the principles of Government-to-Person (G2P) systems, which facilitate the direct transfer of monetary benefits from governments to individuals via digital platforms. The World Bank defines G2P systems as mechanisms reliant on national ID systems, digital payment infrastructure, and comprehensive social registries to ensure accurate and transparent delivery of assistance.

By utilizing the G2P card system in conjunction with the farmer registry, the Nigerian government aims to streamline the flow of financial support to farmers. This system not only promotes transparency but also empowers farmers by ensuring they receive timely assistance, thereby enhancing their productivity and growth potential.

A Step Towards Sustainable Agriculture

One a final note, the launch of the NIN-enabled farmer's registry represents a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria's agricultural sector. By leveraging technology to create a comprehensive database of farmers, the government aims to enhance the delivery of services and resources to those who play a crucial role in feeding the nation.

This initiative is not merely about registration; it is about fostering an agricultural ecosystem that is sustainable, efficient, and responsive to the needs of farmers. As the government moves forward with the implementation of this registry, it is essential to ensure that farmers are educated about its benefits and how to navigate the system effectively.

While challenges such as funding and post-harvest losses persist, the NIN-enabled farmer's registry presents an opportunity for Nigeria to harness the full potential of its agricultural sector. By ensuring that support reaches the right individuals, the government is taking meaningful steps to empower farmers and promote food security in the country.

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