The federal government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) on establishing a national framework for Agricultural Produce Traceability.

The MoU also included establishing a framework for farmland monitoring and deforestation-free supply chain verification.

The federal government also unveiled the White Paper (document) on the Strategy for European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing of the document, Abubakar Kyari, the minister of agriculture and food security, said the event was both strategic and symbolic.

”It is strategic because it equips Nigeria with the systems required to remain competitive in global markets.

”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,” he said.

Mr Kyari said that President Bola Tinubu had made it clear that agriculture is central to the country’s national strategy for economic renewal, stability and inclusive growth.

He said the MoU between the ministry and NASRDA sets the architecture for a national traceability and environmental monitoring system.

”NASRDA will provide satellite imagery, real-time monitoring and technical leadership, while the ministry coordinates farmer engagement, policy integration and nationwide implementation,” he said.

Mr Kyari explained that the EUDR had set a new benchmark for agricultural exports, adding that Nigeria’s commodities must now be traceable to the exact farm boundary, legally produced, and verifiably deforestation-free.

He said that according to the document, Nigeria faced the risk of losing over one billion dollars in direct export earnings and more than three billion dollars in total economic value each year if it failed to adapt.

The minister said that with the right systems, Nigeria could turn compliance into a competitive advantage.

” 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,” he said.

In a goodwill message, the director-general, NASRDA, Mathew Adepoju, said the agency is actively supporting space technology and using an agricultural satellite to trace agricultural produce.

”We would like to strengthen our working relationship with the ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. We will continuously support your programmes and initiatives,” he said.

Mr Adepoju said that the agency would ensure full implementation of the MoU.

In a remark, Marcus Ogunbiyi, the permanent secretary, ministry of agriculture and food security, said the event was a significant step to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural system.

He said that the issues of traceability and deforestation had become central globally.

Also, Tolulope Pius-Fadipe, head of research and development at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) expressed the commitment of the commission to data security and to ensure the data of citizens are well protected.

(NAN)