The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched a government-to-people (G2P) card system and a farmer registration enabled by the National Identity Number (NIN) in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Through the updated registration, each farmer’s individual NIN will be connected to their farmland and important information such as the kind of crops or livestock they raise and the size of their farm.

Nigerian nationals and legal residents will be granted the G2P card, which will be a multifunctional tool for biometric verification, various wallets to facilitate digital transactions, and the ability to operate in places with poor internet connectivity.

The G2P card will facilitate access to various government agricultural services, including farmer financing, input distribution, land mapping, extension services, and monitoring & evaluation. The Nigerian government will also benefit from the G2P card with improved efficiency and enhanced transparency. The initiative aims to streamline the delivery of agricultural services while using digital technology to increase transparency and accountability in the distribution of government resources.

This launch is also expected to reduce government fraud by linking services to unique NINs, ensuring that benefits reach the intended recipients. The Nigerian government will also be able to make data-driven decisions, as the system will generate valuable data that will enable it to make more informed decisions regarding agricultural policy and resource allocation.

The NIMC will supply the fundamental biometric identity framework, guaranteeing that every card and its perks are safely connected to the right person. The system’s data will continue to belong to the Ministry of Agriculture.

This effort is expected to greatly increase the efficacy and efficiency of government agricultural programs. By making it more straightforward for farmers to access essential resources and services, the government wants to increase agricultural output, improve food security, and raise the standard of living in rural communities throughout Nigeria.

Source: CIO Africa

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