By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to establish a national system for agricultural produce traceability and farmland monitoring.
The initiative aims to ensure that Nigerian commodities are legally produced, traceable to farm boundaries, and deforestation-free, in line with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari said the system will help Nigeria turn compliance into a competitive advantage in global agricultural markets.
He added that the framework will modernise value chains, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural economy.
Under the MoU, NASRDA will provide satellite imagery, real-time monitoring, and technical guidance, while the ministry will coordinate farmer engagement, policy integration, and nationwide implementation.
Kyari warned that failure to comply with global traceability standards could cost Nigeria over one billion dollars in direct export earnings and more than three billion dollars in total economic value each year.
He emphasised that the government is committed to building a transparent, efficient, and globally trusted agricultural sector that benefits all farmers.
NASRDA Director-General Mathew Adepoju said the agency will actively support the ministry by using satellite technology to track agricultural produce and ensure full implementation of the MoU.
Permanent Secretary Marcus Ogunbiyi described the move as a major step to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural system and align it with international trade requirements.
The Head of Research and Development at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Tolulope Pius-Fadipe, assured that citizens’ data would be fully protected throughout the traceability process.
