The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative: a National Identity Number (NIN)-enabled farmer registry and a Government-to-People (G2P) card. This innovation is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to boost transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
Key Details of the Initiative
The farmer registry and G2P card system aim to tackle longstanding challenges related to identity verification and program implementation. The biometric-based registry integrates critical information such as:
- Farmland size
- Crop or livestock types
- Other key agricultural metrics
The G2P card connects this registry to targeted aid programs, ensuring farmers receive subsidies, financing, and other government benefits securely and directly. It includes advanced features like a biometric chip and multiple digital wallets, enabling both identification and financial transactions even in areas without internet access.
G2P Card Features and Benefits
The G2P card supports a range of agricultural services, including:
- Farmer financing and input distribution
- Farmland mapping linked to individual identities
- Monitoring and evaluation of extension services
- Agency banking and third-party agricultural services
This innovation mitigates fraud and program mismanagement while expanding access to benefits for both banked and unbanked Nigerians.
Biometric POS Devices for Accessibility
To address infrastructure challenges in remote areas, the initiative employs specialized biometric Point of Sale (POS) devices. These devices process the G2P cards and facilitate the disbursement of loans, subsidies, and welfare payments, ensuring efficiency and scalability in service delivery.
Multipurpose ID Card on the Horizon
NIMC is also developing a general-purpose ID card powered by AFRIGO, a Nigerian card company. This card will combine identity and financial transaction features, aligning with the government’s long-term policy goals for 2025.
Project Timeline
| Announcement Date | Initiative Launch | General ID Card Rollout |
|---|---|---|
| October 2024 | Immediate | 2025 |
Transformative Impact on Agriculture
The FMAFS-G2P initiative marks a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s agriculture sector. By streamlining government service delivery, improving farmer accessibility, and combating fraud, it strengthens the country’s efforts toward achieving food security and economic resilience.
This innovative approach underscores the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and modernizing agriculture, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.
