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NASC Reiterates Commitment To Attain Global Accreditation Of Seed Laboratories To Ensure Food Security
In a bid to further sustain food security and curb the increasing tide of fake seeds, the National Agricultural Seeds Council NASC, on Thursday, revealed that it is committed to achieving international accreditation for seed laboratories to ensure quality seeds.
The NASC disclosed this during a meeting themed “Stakeholders Review and Validation Meeting Cum Socialization of Achievements Made through the support of AGRA and the Partnership for Agricultural Transformation in Africa (PIATA) Towards the Implementation of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) Act 2019 and the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) 2021.” which held in Abuja.
The Acting Director General of the council, Dr Ishiaku Khalid, in his statement, reveals that the Seed Laboratories, when certified to a global standard, will help to boost the country’s seed system and ensure development of an effective seed industry, based on the confidence that farmers place in the seed they acquire.
He stated that there have also been a series of measures considered for the further transformation of the seed industry in the country.
Dr. Khalid, noted that with the support of AGRA, the initiatives will be implemented through the ” bridge grant awarded to the NASC aimed at building the capacity of the NASC and Seed Companies to support a robust seed system in Nigeria”
According to him, apart from upgrading the Seed Laboratories, the grant to NASC will also ensure, consultancy to initiate the accreditation of two laboratories to international Standards. Conduct feasibility studies to ascertain the level of fake seeds.
Building the capacity of four seed companies to access EGS and increase certified seed production. Strengthen the NASC’s capacity to plan and coordinate EGS and Certified Seed production and establish an information management system”
Also, the Country Manager of AGRA, Dr Kehinde Makinde said the agency has resolved to double efforts at raising the bar for Nigeria’s seed system.
He also noted that AGRA will work in partnership with seed companies to develop Early Generations Seeds ( EGS) for better yield and sustainable food security.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported its seventh partial grid collapse in 2024. Despite the recurring issue, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reassured the public that efforts to restore power are well underway, with about 90% of substations receiving bulk power.
Mbah noted that the Azura Power Station initiated the grid recovery, although a minor setback occurred. However, power supply has been restored to the Abuja region and other key distribution centers. The Ibom Gas Generating Station remained unaffected, continuing to supply power to the South-South region.
An investigation into the cause of the collapse will commence once full grid restoration is achieved.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion in Jigawa State, which claimed over 100 lives. In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, extended condolences to the affected families, praying for strength and comfort in their time of grief.
Shettima assured the public that the federal government is mobilizing resources to support the injured and assist those affected. He has directed the immediate deployment of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide aid. The Vice President also stressed the need for a review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
In a separate statement, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu offered her condolences to Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and the people of Jigawa, praying for peace and comfort for the families affected. She called the incident “unfortunate” and extended prayers for the recovery of the injured and the repose of the souls lost in the tragedy.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has revealed that it intercepted a total of 10,598 pieces of arms and 114,929 rounds of ammunition valued at N9.58 billion over the past six years. Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, made this disclosure during a press conference on enforcement activities in Zone A.
Adeniyi highlighted that 60% of these seizures occurred in 2023, reflecting the Customs’ increased efforts to curb arms smuggling. He also mentioned that recent operations such as Operation Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting are part of a strategic response to tackle evolving smuggling tactics.
In addition to arms seizures, the Customs CG announced the largest pangolin scale seizure since 2020, with 9,493 kg of scales confiscated in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission. The joint operation led to four arrests across Kano, Kaduna, and Lagos. The NCS continues to intensify efforts against wildlife trafficking, targeting supply routes in northern Nigeria and border areas.
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