Nigeria Moves to Harness Traceability Technology in Agric-Commodity Sector

By Rukayat Moisemhe and Oluwatope Lawanson

Lagos, March 27, 2025 – The Nigerian government is taking significant steps to improve the quality and sustainability of its agricultural commodities sector through the adoption of traceability technology. At a recent one-day workshop held in Lagos, the government outlined its plans to implement policies that would integrate this technology into Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.

The workshop, themed “Adoption and Implementation of Traceability Technology in the Agricultural Commodities Production and Export Value Chain,” aimed to sensitize key stakeholders in agriculture about the transformative potential of traceability systems. These systems can track food products from farm to consumer, ensuring that each step of the supply chain is documented and verifiable. Techniques such as QR codes, RFID tags, blockchain, and sensor technologies are central to the traceability process, helping ensure food safety, product quality, and transparency across global markets.

Mr. Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment (FMITI), spoke passionately about the advantages of traceability during the event. He noted that by embracing traceability systems, Nigeria would be positioning itself as a competitive player on the global agricultural stage.

“Traceability systems are quickly becoming the gold standard in ensuring quality, transparency, and accountability within supply chains,” Rimi said, highlighting how countries like the United States and members of the European Union had already successfully implemented such frameworks to bolster food safety and improve product quality.

Rimi’s comments underscored the importance of traceability for Nigeria’s agricultural future. He argued that traceability technology would help resolve persistent issues related to product quality, safety, and adherence to international standards that have often limited the market access of Nigerian agricultural products. “With traceability in place, Nigeria’s agricultural sector will be able to meet global standards, unlock new markets, and significantly boost revenue generation for the country.”

Rimi was represented at the workshop by Charles Nwachinemere, Assistant Director of Commodities at FMITI, who echoed the importance of these initiatives. He added that traceability would foster a more reliable supply chain, strengthening the reputation of Nigerian agricultural products in the international arena.

This initiative aligns with the Nigerian government’s broader commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector’s contribution to the economy. By embracing technology, the government aims to not only improve the sustainability of agriculture but also secure a competitive advantage in the global marketplace, especially in light of Nigeria’s abundant natural resources.

However, Rimi did not shy away from addressing the challenges Nigeria faces. He acknowledged that despite its rich agricultural resources, the country has struggled to meet international quality standards. “We still face challenges with product quality and compliance with international regulations,” he explained. “But traceability technology is a solution to these challenges, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed global expectations.”

Strengthening Nigeria’s Position in Global Markets

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment’s commitment to industrial growth and trade relations is evident in this push to integrate traceability technology. Rimi emphasized that a national traceability system would be a game-changer for Nigeria’s agricultural commodities, particularly in terms of access to lucrative international markets. This approach aligns with the government’s overarching strategy to enhance agricultural exports, which are expected to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic recovery.

Echoing Rimi’s sentiments, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, the State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperative, Trade, and Investment, highlighted the immense benefits traceability technology would bring to Nigeria. She underscored the potential for traceability systems to not only improve product quality but also boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Represented by Mrs. Muminat Osefa, Director of the Agribusiness Support Unit, Ambrose-Medebem said, “Traceability is all about transparency. It’s about ensuring that when you buy something in the market, you can trace it back to the producer or manufacturer. This is the global standard, and Nigeria should follow suit.”

The workshop, which included participation from industry experts, farmers, processors, and policymakers, marks an important step toward building consensus on the adoption of traceability technology in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Ambrose-Medebem further noted that in the past three years, the state has made notable progress in promoting traceability technology within agriculture, and this workshop would serve as a catalyst for even more proactive measures to ensure full-scale implementation.

A Collective Effort for Agricultural Excellence

As Nigeria looks to establish itself as a leader in agricultural commodities, the need for transparency, accountability, and quality control has never been greater. Traceability technology is positioned to offer a vital solution to these needs, enabling Nigeria to compete effectively in the global agricultural market.

With the government’s commitment to driving industrial growth and enhancing Nigeria’s position on the global stage, the adoption of traceability technology is set to revolutionize the agricultural value chain. By increasing product credibility and ensuring compliance with international standards, traceability systems will help Nigerian agricultural products gain access to new markets and build lasting trust with consumers worldwide.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment is confident that this initiative will lead to lasting improvements in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with benefits extending far beyond increased exports and GDP growth. “Through collective efforts, we will ensure that our agricultural commodities are held to the highest standards, making Nigeria a global contender,” Rimi concluded.

The workshop also served as a platform for dialogue between government officials, agricultural stakeholders, and technology experts, all working together to ensure the future success of the traceability system and its impact on Nigeria’s agricultural development.