From Okwe Obi, Abuja
In a bid to achieve food security, the Federal Government has birthed a new strategic plan for 2025–2029 to overhaul the country’s seed industry through digitalisation, stronger quality control, and long-term financial sustainability.
The government, at the validation workshop yesterday in Abuja, explained that the initiative aimed at repositioning the sector to be a transparent regulator, able to tackle persistent challenges in the seed system while advancing food security.
Director General, National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Fatuhu Mohammed, pointed out that the milestones such as the passage of the Plant Variety Protection Act and the piloting of third-party seed certification schemes would revamp the sector.
He said: “This plan is not starting from scratch; it builds on the progress of our last strategic cycle.
“By reflecting honestly, we identified gaps that must be closed. Our approach now rests on three essentials: a digital-first NASC, uncompromising quality and innovation, and a financially viable seed sector.”
He disclosed that the recent audits exposed shortcomings in digital integration, sustainable financing, and partnership structures.
Muhammed explained that the document remains a draft, urging participants to provide input to strengthen it further.
“Your feedback is crucial. Ask us: does this plan go far enough? Is it realistic? How do we translate it into real impact?
“The seed defines the harvest. Our task is heavy, but the chance to shape Nigeria’s agricultural future is even greater,” he said.
Representatives of the National Committee for Registration of Crop Varieties also reassured farmers that only varieties proven to be genetically pure, stable, and agronomically sound would be approved for release.
“If a seed is inherently poor, no environmental factor can make it better. Quality begins with genetic potential,” a committee member stated.
A delegate from the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Zaria, emphasised the importance of food sovereignty.
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