The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to deploy satellite technology for agricultural traceability, farmland monitoring and deforestation-free supply chain verification as part of its current drive towards food security in the country.
The deal is also part of the government’s broader strategy to position Nigeria at the competitive edge in global markets and earn billions of dollars in export value.
Speaking during the MoU signing event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the event as both strategic and symbolic as the MoU sets the structure for a national traceability and environmental monitoring system.
He explained: “It is strategic because it equips Nigeria with the systems required to remain competitive in global markets.
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“It is symbolic because it represents our collective resolve to protect our farmers, modernise our value chains and build an agricultural sector that stands strong on the global stage”, the minister added.
He maintained that President Bola Tinubu had made it clear that agriculture remained central to Nigeria’s national strategy for economic renewal, stability and inclusive growth.
According to him, the NASRDA will provide satellite imagery, real time monitoring and technical leadership, while the ministry coordinates farmer engagement, policy integration and nationwide implementation.
As part of the MoU signing ceremony the government also unveiled the National White Paper on Strategy for European Union Deforestation Regulation Compliance (EUDR), which now requires agricultural exports to be traceable to exact farm boundaries, legally produced and verifiably deforestation-free.
The minister cautioned that Nigeria risked losing over one billion dollars in direct export earnings and more than $3 billion in total economic value each year if it fails to adapt to these new rules.
Kyari further expatiated: “We can build a transparent, efficient and globally trusted agricultural economy. We can open new premium markets, attract stronger investment and deliver better incomes for our farmers.
“We remain fully committed to getting this right. We will not build a system that leaves any farmer behind. We will not allow global regulations to undermine Nigerian livelihoods.
“We will not miss this opportunity to build a technologically driven, globally respected and economically vibrant agricultural sector”, the minister stressed.
In his remarks, the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr Mathew Adepoju, said the agency was committed to supporting the ministry through satellite technology and ensuring full implementation of the MoU, assuring that the agency will continue to work closely with the ministry to strengthen ongoing programmes and initiatives.
Speaking at the forum, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the move as a significant step toward building a stronger agricultural system, noting that traceability and deforestation concerns have become central issues in global markets.
