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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle the persistent rejection of its agricultural commodities in international markets, aiming to align the country with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The EUDR sets stringent requirements for agricultural exports, mandating that commodities be traceable, legally produced, and verifiably free from deforestation. The government’s white paper outlines actionable steps to ensure Nigeria’s compliance while safeguarding market access, enhancing environmental monitoring, and protecting the livelihoods of rural farmers who form the backbone of the country’s agricultural sector.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the white paper as a forward-looking blueprint that sets out clear guidelines on traceability systems, deforestation-free supply chains, data collection, and capacity-building initiatives for smallholder farmers. “This national strategy will protect Nigeria’s export revenue, strengthen climate commitments, and ensure that rural communities are not excluded from the global supply chain as international buyers enforce stricter sustainability rules,” Kyari said.
He emphasised that the EUDR establishes a new benchmark for agricultural exports. Commodities from Nigeria must now be traceable to the exact farm boundary, legally produced, and verifiably deforestation-free. Kyari warned that failure to comply could result in the loss of over one billion dollars in direct export earnings annually, with total economic impacts potentially exceeding three billion dollars.
“The new compliance strategy is significant and forward-looking,” he said. “It will protect farmers, upgrade value chains, and help Nigeria secure a stronger hold in international markets. With proper implementation, this strategy will not only ensure EUDR compliance but position Nigeria as a model for other developing countries pursuing sustainable agricultural transformation while contributing to global environmental and development goals.”
Kyari revealed that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security would collaborate closely with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), which will provide satellite imagery, real-time monitoring, and technical leadership, while the Ministry coordinates farmer engagement, policy integration, and nationwide implementation. “Nigeria can transform EUDR compliance from a regulatory burden into a competitive advantage by establishing a national traceability system anchored on public-private partnerships, leveraging NASRDA’s geospatial capabilities, and adopting proven models from neighboring cocoa-producing countries while pioneering AI and blockchain-enabled financing solutions,” he explained.
NASRDA Director-General, Mathew Adepoju, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the Ministry through satellite technology and ensuring the full implementation of the memorandum of understanding. “We will work closely with the Ministry to strengthen ongoing programs and initiatives, providing the technical backbone necessary for a modern, traceable, and deforestation-free supply chain,” Adepoju said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, hailed the initiative as a significant step toward building a stronger and more resilient agricultural system.
He noted that traceability and deforestation concerns have become central issues in global markets, and without compliance, Nigerian commodities risk losing competitive advantage. Ogunbiyi also highlighted the persistent challenges posed by emerging and re-emerging pests and diseases, which often cross borders and devastate crops, affecting food security and livelihoods.
“The sector faces significant challenges from recurring emerging and re-emerging pest and disease outbreaks, many of which are transboundary and migratory.
Recent invasions by pests such as the Fall Armyworm, Ginger blight, Tuta absoluta, Quelea birds, and other invasive species have caused substantial crop losses, reduced productivity, and severe economic setbacks, particularly for smallholder farmers,” Ogunbiyi said. He added that the consequences of these outbreaks extend far beyond farms, threatening national food and nutrition security, livelihoods, and even stability.
Ogunbiyi described the National Integrated Pest and Plant Diseases Management Strategy as a science-based, sustainable framework designed to address these complex challenges. “This strategy offers a comprehensive approach to pest prevention, early detection, rapid response, and sustainable management. It blends biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods while protecting human health, beneficial organisms, and the environment. Emerging pests, resistant pathogens, climate-driven pest migrations, and changing farming systems demand that our strategies remain dynamic and adaptive. It is for this reason that we are gathered today: to review, validate, and strengthen this national strategy, ensuring it meets both current and future pest management challenges effectively,” he said.
Ogunbiyi stressed the importance of collaboration and expertise in implementing the strategy, encouraging stakeholders to engage fully in discussions, identify gaps, and propose actionable recommendations that align with regional and international frameworks for pest surveillance and control. “Your expertise, field experience, and insights are invaluable in ensuring that this strategy is not only scientifically robust but also practical and implementable,” he said.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, supporting millions of livelihoods, driving industrial growth, and generating exports. Ogunbiyi underscored that the government’s new strategy would strengthen the sector’s resilience while ensuring sustainable and profitable operations for farmers across the country.
The event’s highlight was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Ministry of Agriculture and NASRDA on establishing a national framework for agricultural produce traceability, farmland monitoring, and deforestation-free supply chain verification. This partnership is expected to integrate advanced geospatial monitoring, real-time data collection, and AI-driven analysis to provide a comprehensive view of Nigeria’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that exported commodities meet international standards.
By combining policy reform, technological innovation, and farmer engagement, Nigeria aims to turn compliance into a competitive advantage. The approach emphasizes public-private partnerships and the adoption of global best practices, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable agricultural production. The Ministry is particularly focused on supporting smallholder farmers, who make up the majority of Nigeria’s agricultural producers, ensuring that they are not left behind as the country adapts to evolving international standards.
Minister Kyari concluded that the government’s efforts represent a strategic pivot toward sustainability and global competitiveness. “By implementing this white paper, Nigeria can safeguard its export revenue, strengthen climate commitments, and empower rural communities to thrive in a global supply chain. This strategy transforms regulatory requirements into an opportunity for innovation, growth, and leadership in sustainable agriculture,” he said.
With the EUDR now a reality, Nigeria’s agricultural sector faces both a challenge and an opportunity. By embracing traceability, leveraging satellite technology, and adopting integrated pest and disease management strategies, the country is positioning itself to meet the expectations of global buyers while enhancing productivity, sustainability, and economic resilience.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and NASRDA represents a forward-thinking model that blends policy, technology, and capacity-building, ensuring that Nigeria can compete effectively in international markets while protecting the environment and supporting smallholder farmers. As global buyers increasingly demand sustainable and traceable commodities, Nigeria’s proactive approach offers a blueprint for other developing countries navigating similar regulatory landscapes.
In the words of Minister Kyari, “With proper implementation, this strategy will not only ensure EUDR compliance but position Nigeria as a model for other developing countries pursuing sustainable agricultural transformation while contributing to global environmental and development goals.” The signing of the MoU and launch of the white paper signal a decisive step toward achieving this vision, with the potential to safeguard billions in export revenue, strengthen the nation’s environmental commitments, and ensure that Nigerian farmers remain key players in the global market.
The government’s new framework integrates traceability, pest management, and deforestation monitoring into a cohesive strategy designed to enhance productivity, protect livelihoods, and ensure that Nigeria’s agricultural exports meet the highest international standards.
By adopting advanced technologies, strengthening institutional collaboration and focusing on farmer capacity-building, Nigeria is creating a resilient agricultural system capable of withstanding global market pressures and environmental challenges.
The Federal Government’s unveiling of the EUDR compliance strategy, the signing of the MoU with NASRDA and the emphasis on integrated pest management demonstrate a holistic approach to modernising Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
