Paving the Way for Global Competitiveness: FG Partners NASRDA on National Agricultural Traceability System

[26/11/2025] – [Abuja, Nigeria] – The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has taken a decisive step towards modernizing the nation’s agricultural sector and securing its place in premium global markets. In a landmark move, an innovative Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to establish a robust national framework for Agricultural Produce Traceability and Farmland Monitoring.

Milky-Way Visuals Ltd., the commercial arm of NASRDA, applauds this strategic partnership, which places space-based technology at the heart of Nigeria’s agricultural revolution. The collaboration is designed to create a comprehensive system that ensures agricultural commodities are traceable, legally produced, and verifiable as deforestation-free, a necessity for compliance with emerging international regulations.

The Strategic Imperative: EUDR Compliance

The signing ceremony also marked the unveiling of the White Paper on Strategy for European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, underscored the dual nature of the event:

“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.”

The Minister highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to agriculture as central to the national strategy for economic renewal. He stressed that the EUDR sets a new benchmark, requiring Nigerian commodities to be traceable to the exact farm boundary and verifiably deforestation-free. Failure to adapt, he warned, could risk over one billion dollars in direct export earnings annually.

Space Technology: The Backbone of Traceability

This MoU establishes the critical architecture for the national traceability and environmental monitoring system, with NASRDA positioned as the technical engine of the project.

The synergy is clear: NASRDA, utilizing advanced agricultural satellite technology, will provide the satellite imagery, real-time monitoring, and technical leadership required for accurate, large-scale verification. The Ministry, in turn, will focus on farmer engagement, policy integration, and nationwide implementation.

Crucially, the practical application of this technology was demonstrated by the Managing Director of Milky-Way Visuals Ltd., Oyewole Olugbenga Leke. He conducted a live demonstration of the Farm IQ Crop Monitoring and Traceability platform, showcasing how satellite data can provide the precise, verifiable farm boundary and crop health data necessary for compliance and efficiency.

Mr. Leke further emphasized that under the leadership of the Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Mathew Adepoju, the agency’s focus on leveraging space technology extends beyond agriculture. He confirmed that, in addition to the Farm IQ platform, specialized platforms covering Mining, Maritime, and Health have also been successfully developed to support key sectors across Nigeria.

Dr. Mathew Adepoju, the Director-General of NASRDA, affirmed the agency’s dedication:

“NASRDA is actively supporting space technology and using an agricultural satellite to trace agricultural produce… We will ensure full implementation of the MoU and continuously support the Ministry’s programmes and initiatives.”

Building a Globally Trusted Agricultural Economy

This partnership is a commitment to transforming a regulatory challenge into a competitive advantage. By implementing transparent and technologically driven traceability systems, Nigeria can open new premium markets, attract stronger investment, and deliver higher incomes for its farmers.

“We can build a transparent, efficient and globally trusted agricultural economy,” Minister Kyari stated, reassuring the public that no farmer would be left behind. “We will not miss this opportunity to build a technologically driven, globally respected and economically vibrant agricultural sector.”

Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, echoed this sentiment, calling the event a “significant step to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural system.” Furthermore, Dr. Tolulope Pius-Fadipe of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) affirmed the commitment to data security, ensuring that citizens’ information remains well-protected within the new system.

NASRDA is proud to support the Federal Government in deploying cutting-edge space technology to enhance agricultural governance, boost exports, and secure a sustainable future for Nigerian farmers.