The minister of state for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has called for greater access to affordable and certified seeds as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s agricultural productivity and close the country’s widening yield gap.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday during a meeting with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) seed schemes evaluation mission team, the minister explained that the administration’s agricultural vision is anchored on strengthening the seed system, recognising that quality seed is the foundation of any sustainable food security programme.
He noted that Nigeria’s yield levels remain below potential due to limited access to certified seed varieties and the prevalence of uncertified grains being sold to farmers as seed.
He emphasised that seeds must meet modern standards, including resistance to pests and diseases, tolerance to drought and adaptability to changing climate conditions.
According to the minister, improved seed quality would reduce dependence on agrochemicals, limit pesticide residues in agricultural exports and enhance the nutritional value of crops.
Abdullahi said, “Our current yield gap as a country is worrisome. We believe we can do better, but sometimes the challenge is that what is being planted as seed is not truly seed. Even when it is, there are qualities it must carry.
If we are to guarantee food security, farmers must and should have access to affordable, quality seed at all times. This is why this scheme was put in place and why Nigeria is more than happy to be part of the OECD ecosystem”.
As part of ongoing reforms, the minister added that the ministry was working with the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) to expand inspection capacity, regulate the informal seed sector and curb fraudulent practices by operators passing off grains as certified seed.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with rules and regulations.
In his remarks, the director-general of NASC, Fatuhu Muhammadu, outlined Nigeria’s progress since joining the OECD Seed Schemes in 2023.
He noted that Nigeria has trained dozens of seed certification staff, secured accession for rice and sorghum, and assumed a leadership role within the African seed sector.
Membership of OECD, he explained, positions Nigeria to attract international seed companies, boost domestic seed entrepreneurship, and build stronger regional partnerships across West Africa.
The OECD mission team led by seed scheme officers Aurelia Nicault and Rouillard Christophe commended Nigeria’s commitment to improving its seed system, noting that the country’s membership in the global seed system would support agricultural sustainability, improve farmer livelihoods, and expand regional and international trade opportunities.
