The Federal Government has entered a new partnership with the National Space Research and Development Agency to establish a national framework for agricultural produce traceability, farmland monitoring, and verification of deforestation-free supply chains. The agreement was formalised during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Abuja, where the government also unveiled the White Paper on Nigeria’s strategy for complying with the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
The agriculture minister described the event as both strategic and symbolic, noting that Nigeria is now taking the steps required to remain competitive in global markets. He explained that the move demonstrates a collective commitment to safeguarding farmers, modernising agricultural value chains, and positioning the country more strongly on the international stage. According to him, the administration sees agriculture as central to national economic renewal, stability and inclusive growth, and the new framework advances that agenda.
The MoU establishes the foundation for a national traceability and environmental monitoring system. Under the agreement, NASRDA will deploy satellite imagery, real-time monitoring and technical leadership, while the ministry will coordinate farmer engagement, integrate relevant policies and oversee implementation across the country. The minister noted that the EUDR has created a stringent global benchmark for agricultural exports, requiring all commodities entering the EU market to be traceable to specific farm boundaries, legally produced, and confirmed to be deforestation-free.
The White Paper highlights the economic implications of non-compliance. Nigeria risks losing more than one billion dollars in direct export earnings and over three billion dollars in wider economic value each year if it fails to adapt. The minister said the government intends to turn the regulatory challenge into a competitive advantage by building a transparent, efficient and trusted agricultural system capable of attracting investment, accessing premium markets and improving farmer incomes. He emphasised that the government will not adopt any system that sidelines small farmers, and that global regulations will not be allowed to undermine livelihoods.
The head of the space agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting agricultural monitoring through space technology, including the use of agricultural satellites for produce tracking. He pledged the agency’s full support towards the implementation of the MoU and a stronger working relationship with the agriculture ministry.
The permanent secretary of the ministry described the initiative as a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural system, explaining that traceability and deforestation-free production have become global priorities. A representative of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission also gave assurances that data security remains a priority and that citizens’ information will be fully protected throughout the implementation process.
For MSMEs in the agricultural sector, the national traceability system is expected to reshape market access strategies. It will provide smallholders, aggregators, and exporters with the tools needed to meet global standards, reduce rejection risks, unlock premium buyer,s and build stronger supply-chain credibility in international markets.
