…Aims to Boost Food Production, Secure Nigeria’s Agricultural Future

In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government, through the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), has launched an intensive bootcamp to equip young Nigerians with expertise in Plant Variety Protection (PVP).

The initiative, spearheaded by the Nigeria Plant Variety Protection Office (NPVPO), aims to develop a new generation of agricultural professionals capable of improving crop yields, enhancing food security, and driving agribusiness growth.

The boot camp, a 4 day program, brought together 25 carefully selected young professionals from across the country. These individuals according to the council, will receive specialized training in plant breeders’ rights, intellectual property protection, and the commercialization of improved plant varieties, key components in ensuring Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in food production.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, Dr. Ishiak Khalid, Acting Director General of NASC, represented by Mallam Ubandoma Hudu, Director of Seed Certification and Quality Control, emphasized that the training represents a major step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.

He said; “You have been selected from a pool of over 77 applicants across Nigeria. This is not just about learning, it is about taking responsibility for the future of our food systems. You are here to develop solutions that will shape the next era of Nigerian agriculture.

“I encourage you all to engage in the training, ask critical questions, and embrace the opportunity to lead the charge in modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector.”

The Registrar of NPVPO, Dr. Folarin Okelola, in an interview with newsmen, restated that PVP is a game-changing strategy that will increase productivity, encourage research, and incentivize the development of high-yield, climate-resilient crops.

“Plant breeders are the backbone of agricultural innovation. Yet, their work has often gone unrecognized. By protecting their innovations, we encourage more research, attract investment, and boost food production,” Okelola stated.

He further emphasized that embracing PVP could increase Nigeria’s agricultural output up to five times. This, he said, would not only ensure national food security but also position Nigeria as a major exporter of agricultural products.

The bootcamp supported by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), recognizes the need for young minds to take over from an ageing farming population.

Meanwhile Dr. Esther Ibrahim, AGRA’s representative, expressed excitement over the initiative, stating that investing in young agricultural professionals is crucial for the country’s long-term food security goals.

“The future of farming depends on fresh, innovative thinkers. We must build a pipeline of young experts who can introduce modern, efficient agricultural practices. This training is the first step toward that vision,” she noted.

As climate change, population growth, and global food insecurity continue to challenge traditional farming methods, Nigeria must embrace science, research, and innovation to safeguard its food supply. The PVP boot camp is more than just a training, it is a launchpad, for a new era in Nigerian agriculture.

These 25 young professionals, will not only gain knowledge but also serve as catalysts for agricultural transformation, developing high-yield crops, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global agricultural economy. The seeds of change have been planted; now, these young professionals must turn knowledge into solutions that will secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.

The 7th edition of the Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition, organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), brought together global and regional agricultural leaders to discuss innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity, climate change, and advancing the seed system in Africa. Themed “Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity,” the two-day event showcased Nigeria’s leadership in agriculture while highlighting the critical role of seeds in achieving food security and sustainable agricultural practices.

Dr. Arnab Gupta, Ambassador of the Netherlands and representative of WCDI Netherlands, acknowledged Nigeria’s significant strides in agriculture. In his keynote address, he emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, commending Nigerian seed companies, partners, and agencies for their collaborative efforts. Dr. Gupta expressed the Netherlands’ willingness to support Nigeria in strengthening its seed systems, which he described as pivotal to driving agricultural innovation and resilience.

Dr. Godwin Atser of Sasakawa Africa Association, highlighted the pressing challenges facing global food security, particularly in Africa. He stressed the need for regenerative agriculture as a sustainable solution to mitigate the effects of climate change and land degradation. “As we face unprecedented challenges, it is critical to adopt practices that not only improve productivity but also restore our ecosystems,” Dr. Aser said. He called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to transform agriculture into a tool for resilience and growth.

Also Mr. Rufus Idris, of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), congratulated the council, for yet another successful Seed Connect Conference, underscoring the importance of the event in Africa’s agricultural landscape. He emphasized that “everything agriculture starts with seeds,” positioning seeds as the foundation for addressing food insecurity and combating the impacts of climate change.

He assured participants of AGRA’s continued support for Africa’s seed systems and commended federal government’s effort in spearheading initiatives that inspire regional and global partnerships.

The Seed Connect Conference and Exhibition, once again proved to be a vital platform for discussing transformative solutions to Africa’s agricultural challenges. Delegates from around the globe echoed the call for stronger partnerships, innovation, and investment in the seed sector to bolster food security and environmental sustainability.

• …As Stakeholders Call for Enhanced Access to Quality Seeds for Smallholder Farmers

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Aliyu Abdullahi, has reiterated the importance of seed and the pivotal role of seed technology in addressing Africa’s agricultural challenges.

Speaking at the 7th edition of Seed Connect Africa held in Abuja, Senator Abdullahi emphasized that seeds form the foundation of agricultural systems, directly influencing every stage of farming and agricultural productivity.

Citing the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the Minister noted that staple crop yields in sub-Saharan Africa such as maize, rice, and sorghum are among the lowest globally, often falling below 50% of the global average.

The event, themed “Leveraging Seed Technology to Scale Up Africa’s Agricultural Productivity”, was organized by the National Agricultural Seed Council and brought together dignitaries, stakeholders, and experts to discuss strategies for strengthening Africa’s seed systems.

“High-quality seeds tailored to specific agro-ecological zones are essential for achieving higher yields, ensuring food security, and fostering resilience against climate change,” Abdullahi stated.

He also highlighted the vast potential of the global seed market, valued at over $60 billion, which is driven by innovations in genetically enhanced, climate-resilient, and pest-resistant seed varieties. Despite this potential, the Minister acknowledged Africa’s challenges in making these technologies accessible to smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the agricultural sector.

Senator Abdullahi also underscored agriculture’s critical role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing approximately 25% to the GDP and providing employment for over 70% of the rural population. However, he pointed out systemic inefficiencies within the sector, including limited access to high-quality seeds, poor infrastructure, and inadequate awareness among farmers.

“For decades, Nigerian farmers have faced barriers to accessing improved seed varieties, ranging from high costs to limited distribution networks,” Abdullahi said.

He stressed that transforming the seed sector is essential to achieving the administration’s agricultural agenda of ensuring food security and reducing rural poverty.

Representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Akeem Adeniyi Adeyemi, linked modern agricultural advancements to the evolution of seed technology.

“From the dawn of civilization, seeds have been the bedrock of food security and economic stability,” Adeyemi remarked. He highlighted that genetically pure seeds with high germination rates and vigor are critical for enhancing agricultural productivity. Without these, even the most advanced farming techniques fall short of delivering optimal results.

He further emphasized the importance of educating farmers about the benefits of improved seed varieties. Modern crop varieties bred for pest resistance, climate adaptation, and responsiveness to agricultural inputs have the potential to revolutionize farming practices across Africa.

“By leveraging advancements in seed technology, we can empower farmers to meet both local and global food demands,” Adeyemi said. He called for comprehensive awareness initiatives and farmer-centered policies to drive this transformation.

Meanwhile stakeholders at the conference agreed that unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential requires deliberate efforts to enhance access to high-yield, drought-resistant seeds. They also underscored the role of biotechnology in developing resilient crop varieties tailored to the continent’s diverse climatic conditions.

The event concluded with a call for stronger partnerships between governments, research institutions, and private sector actors to foster innovation in seed systems. Stakeholders highlighted the need for strategic investments and policy reforms to ensure smallholder farmers have affordable access to high-quality seeds. These efforts, they affirmed, will pave the way for sustainable agricultural development across Africa.