Nigeria Launches National Digital Farmers Registry to Strengthen Food Security
The Federal Government has officially launched the National Digital Farmers Registry (NDFR), a comprehensive digital database designed to transform agricultural planning, eliminate duplication, and improve access to support services for farmers nationwide.
The registry, introduced under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, aims to create a verified, centralised digital identity system for farmers across all 36 states and the FCT. According to government officials, this new system will allow farmers to access inputs, grants, training, and intervention programmes more efficiently while ensuring transparency and accountability in agricultural funding.
The NDFR is expected to address long-standing challenges such as ghost beneficiaries, inaccurate farmer records, and the lack of reliable data for national food planning. By capturing biometric information, farm locations, crop types, and production capacity, the registry will enable policymakers to forecast food supply trends and respond quickly to shortages.
Government representatives explained that the digital platform will also help smallholder farmers gain easier access to financial institutions, insurance schemes, and private-sector partnerships. The initiative forms part of the broader national strategy to boost food production, reduce dependency on imports, and stabilise food prices amid rising inflation.
Agricultural experts have welcomed the move, describing it as a major step toward modernising Nigeria’s food system. However, they emphasise the need for proper implementation, digital literacy support, and collaboration with local communities to ensure the registry reaches every farmer including those in remote rural areas.
With the rollout now underway, the government says the registry will serve as a cornerstone for achieving long-term food security and supporting millions of farmers across the country.
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