Nigeria has released a new government plan explaining how the country will meet the European Union’s new deforestation rules, standards that will soon require all agricultural exports entering the EU to be fully traceable and proven not to have contributed to deforestation.
The plan, presented as a White Paper – a government guide explaining actions and policy steps – was launched in Abuja by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.
The event also included the signing of an agreement with the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) to help track farm activities nationwide.
Kyari said the new framework outlines practical steps for deploying traceability tools, strengthening data collection, and helping smallholder farmers – who produce most of Nigeria’s commodities – adapt to tougher global standards.
Nigeria exports several agricultural produce to the EU market, including cocoa, palm oil, rubber, and soy.
“The European Union Deforestation Regulation sets a new benchmark for agricultural exports,” the minister said. “Our commodities must now be traceable to the exact farm boundary, legally produced, and verifiably deforestation-free.”
He warned that Nigeria faces steep economic losses if it fails to comply.
According to the White Paper, the country could lose over $1 billion in direct export earnings and more than $3 billion in total economic value each year should buyers reject non-compliant goods.
Kyari said the plan is both a defensive and strategic move – one that protects export revenue, supports climate commitments, and ensures rural farmers are not cut off from global 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,” he said.
Satellite-based tracking
Under the agreement, NASRDA will provide satellite imagery, real-time monitoring, and technical expertise, while the agriculture ministry leads farmer engagement and national rollout.
NASRDA Director-General Mathew Adepoju said the agency is committed to helping Nigeria meet the new standards and will continue working closely with the ministry to support ongoing programmes.
The ministry’s permanent secretary, Marcus Ogunbiyi, said the move is essential as international buyers increasingly demand transparency on deforestation and supply-chain risks.
The event concluded with the formal signing of an MoU establishing Nigeria’s national traceability and deforestation-free verification framework – seen as a foundational step in keeping Nigerian products competitive in global markets.
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