By Seun Ibukun-Oni
DAILY COURIER - The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to enhance agricultural service delivery in Nigeria.
The National Identity Number (NIN)-enabled farmer registry and Government 2 People (G2P) card project aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in line with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, prioritizing food security as a cornerstone.
The NIN-enabled farmer registry will link each farmer’s biometric identity to their farmland and relevant agricultural data, such as farm size, crop type, and livestock details. This comprehensive database will facilitate targeted support for farmers while eradicating inefficiencies and fraud.
The accompanying G2P card is designed as a biometrics-based, multi-wallet card that ensures seamless identification and service delivery, even in remote areas without internet connectivity. Eligible for every Nigerian and legal resident, the card will be personalized for farmers and tailored to their unique needs.
The G2P card is equipped with a high-capacity chip that stores essential beneficiary information, including identity, fingerprints, and Know Your Customer (KYC) data. It offers: Farmer financing which offers streamlined access to loans and subsidies. Input distribution to ensure efficient allocation of agricultural inputs.
Others are: Farmland mapping for accurate linkage of identity to farmland. Extension services monitoring. Agency banking which will enhance financial inclusion for unbanked farmers and flexibility for government transactions in the disbursement of welfare, pensions, and other benefits.
The card’s unique interoperability ensures seamless integration with biometrics-enabled Point of Sale (POS) devices, allowing FMAFS to deliver services in any location, regardless of infrastructure challenges.
Under this initiative, NIMC will provide the foundational biometric identity system, while FMAFS will manage the farmer registry and G2P card distribution. This partnership ensures that government services are securely and accurately linked to beneficiaries, fostering accountability and scalability.
“The G2P card ecosystem allows for real-time monitoring and evaluation through digital dashboards, providing insights into the efficiency of agricultural programmes,” stated Dr. Joel Oruche, Director of Information at FMAFS.
The FMAFS and NIMC collaboration reflects a significant step toward a more inclusive and transparent agricultural sector. By leveraging digital technology, the initiative aims to strengthen Nigeria’s food security, empower farmers, and improve the overall efficiency of government programmes.
Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, commended the press for their support and called for continued collaboration in disseminating information about the project’s benefits to the public.
“This project underscores our commitment to using technology to address pressing challenges in agriculture and ensuring that every farmer is reached,” he said.
The FMAFS G2P card project promises to revolutionize service delivery, enabling the government to reach farmers with precision, even in the most remote locations, thereby advancing Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
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