The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is integrating the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) digital infrastructure to better identify legitimate farmers. Minister Abubakar Kyari confirmed this move during a meeting with NIMC Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote in Abuja.
By utilizing the National Identification Number (NIN), the ministry aims to create a reliable, central database. This system is designed to enhance transparency and ensure that government agricultural support reaches actual farmers and entrepreneurs rather than unauthorized parties. Senator Kyari emphasized that this method will also encourage greater participation from youth and women in the agricultural sector.
Furthermore, the government is shifting its subsidy model to promote self-sufficiency. Under this new structure, financial aid will be provided on a three-year sliding scale, eventually moving farmers toward complete operational independence. This strategy intends to increase the total number of beneficiaries while fostering long-term sustainability.
Director-General Coker-Odusote noted that the NIMC Act 2026 empowers the commission to provide secure authentication services for various government agencies. She explained that integrating NIN data will drastically reduce fraud and eliminate fictitious beneficiaries, thereby optimizing the distribution of public resources.
