Abuja, June 26, 2026 – The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has introduced a comprehensive digital verification framework aimed at ensuring that agricultural support reaches genuine farmers while eliminating the influence of middlemen and fraudulent beneficiaries.
The disclosure was made by the bank’s Managing Director, Mr Ayodeji Sotinrin, in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
According to Sotinrin, the strengthened verification process incorporates the use of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, and GPS-based farm mapping technologies.
He explained that the new measures are designed to improve transparency and accountability in the allocation of agricultural loans, farm inputs, and other intervention programmes.
The managing director noted that the upgraded digital system would help identify and verify active farmers and legitimate cooperatives, thereby reducing the diversion of resources by portfolio farmers and intermediaries.
He said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise the bank’s operations, promote financial inclusion in rural communities, and support the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Sotinrin reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing the Federal Government’s food security objectives through more efficient and targeted support for smallholder farmers.
He stated that transparency remains a key priority for the bank, particularly in the distribution of financial assistance and agricultural inputs.
As part of its ongoing reforms, the BOA is also enhancing service delivery across its nationwide network through the deployment of solar-powered infrastructure in its 110 branches to guarantee uninterrupted operations.
In addition, the bank is introducing digital farmer-management systems and expanding agency banking services to improve access to financial products and agricultural advisory services in remote farming communities.
According to him, these innovations are intended to overcome geographical barriers and bring banking and extension services closer to farmers, reducing dependence on conventional branch-based operations.
Sotinrin added that the bank remains open to collaboration with credible commodity associations, verified grassroots cooperatives, and other stakeholders to strengthen agricultural financing and ensure that support reaches those actively engaged in food production.
The latest reforms underscore the BOA’s determination to leverage technology in promoting accountability, expanding rural financial access, and enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural intervention programmes across the country.