Nigeria must feed itself, unlock full potential of agribusiness sector, says NASC

The newly appointed Director General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Fatuhu Buhari, has spotlighted quality seeds as a fundamental pillar in achieving food security and catalyzing Nigeria’s agribusiness potential.

Speaking at the Council’s headquarters during the formal handover ceremony, Buhari stressed that seeds are not merely inputs, but the “cornerstone” of resilient agricultural systems, capable of transforming the food landscape of Nigeria. He committed to advancing the agency’s mandate through strengthened seed systems, strategic innovation, and partnerships across research and agri-tech ecosystems.

“Seeds are the first link in the agricultural value chain… without quality seeds, there can be no thriving farms; without thriving farms, there can be no food security,” Buhari remarked.

He revealed that NASC will collaborate with research institutions and technology innovators to develop climate-smart, resilient seed varieties. He also underscored the importance of scaling up seed multiplication programs, ensuring accessibility and affordability for farmers at grassroots levels.

Buhari expressed readiness to engage seed companies, development partners, and investors in scaling up seed production and distribution, while calling on farmers to provide continuous feedback that can inform policy directions.

In a transition note, outgoing acting DG Dr. Ishiak Khalid outlined recent NASC achievements, including:

Nigeria’s accreditation into the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA),

Membership in the OECD Seed Schemes, and

Accession to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)—a key milestone for plant breeders’ rights and innovation.

Khalid also highlighted reforms such as the restructuring of the Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), introduction of digital inspection tools, and the launch of the National Seed Roadmap Dashboard for real-time monitoring of seed production, compliance, and investment prospects.

NASC Board Chairman, Austine Agada, echoed the urgency of food availability, linking it directly to national stability and the eradication of poverty and social exclusion. He reiterated that food security is a top priority under President Tinubu’s administration, expressing confidence in Buhari’s leadership.
Source- The Nation

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The appointment of Fatuhu Buhari as NASC’s new Director General comes at a pivotal time when Nigeria’s food system is battling climate shocks, rising input costs, and structural inefficiencies. His framing of seeds as “tiny but mighty catalysts of abundance” rightly draws attention to one of the most overlooked levers of productivity: quality planting materials.

Here are three key strategic takeaways for stakeholders:

1. Seed Quality Is a Productivity Multiplier
   For every actor in the agricultural value chain, from smallholders to processors, high-quality seeds represent the foundational determinant of yield, crop uniformity, and market quality. Climate-smart seeds, as promised by NASC, will be vital in ensuring yield stability under erratic weather conditions, improving farmers’ return on investment and reducing food system shocks.

2. Public–Private Collaboration Must Be Deepened
   The DG’s plan to engage seed companies, researchers, and development partners aligns with global best practices. However, real impact will depend on:
   – Functional linkages between research institutions and private seed firms,
   – Policy support that incentivizes seed innovation and adoption (e.g., input subsidies or credit access tied to certified seed usage),
   – Transparent and accountable distribution channels, especially to reach underserved rural areas.

3. Digital Infrastructure for Traceability and Compliance
   The mention of the Seed Roadmap Dashboard and digital inspection tools is a promising sign of NASC’s move toward modern governance. This can:
   – Improve seed traceability (reducing counterfeit seeds),
   – Enhance regulatory compliance, and
   – Provide real-time data to investors and policymakers on where seed system gaps and opportunities lie.

In conclusion, NASC’s re-energized agenda under Buhari offers an opportunity to place Nigeria’s seed sector at the heart of the country’s food security architecture. But success will hinge on farmer engagement, local seed entrepreneurship support, and a functional value chain that ensures seed improvements translate to tangible benefits in the field.