The Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) has formally commended the Federal Government for establishing the ₦50 billion Seed Industry Catalytic Fund. This significant financial intervention, domiciled with the Bank of Industry (BoI), is a cornerstone of the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and ensuring long-term food security.
In a comprehensive statement released on Sunday, SEEDAN President Yusuf-Ado Kibiya described the fund as a transformative development for the nation’s seed sector. He urged seed companies across the country to leverage this opportunity to expand infrastructure, enhance production capabilities, improve packaging, and broaden market access. According to Kibiya, the effective utilization of this facility is critical to accelerating industry growth and ensuring that Nigerian farmers have consistent access to high-quality seeds, which are the foundation of any successful agricultural system.
Beyond the financial boost, SEEDAN reported a series of major institutional and policy milestones achieved over the past year. Most notably, the association successfully completed an institutional merger, unifying various factions into a single, cohesive private-sector voice for seed entrepreneurs nationwide. “The merger has improved governance coordination and advocacy across the industry,” the statement read, highlighting the importance of a united front in negotiating policy and driving industry standards.
Further solidifying its global standing, SEEDAN announced its admission as an Ordinary Status Member of the International Seed Federation (ISF). This membership integrates Nigeria more firmly into the global seed community, opening doors for international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and access to global best practices. This move is expected to attract foreign partnerships and modernize local seed production techniques.
The association also disclosed the formation of a specialized Biotechnology Committee, established with support from the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA). This committee is tasked with strengthening advocacy and industry engagement regarding the responsible use of modern biotechnology. Its mandate includes promoting innovations that improve crop resilience and productivity, crucial factors in mitigating the impacts of climate change on Nigerian agriculture.
Strategically, SEEDAN has positioned itself for long-term growth by completing a five-year strategic plan. developed with technical support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Sahel Consulting Limited. This roadmap outlines a clear path for innovation, private sector expansion, and the creation of stronger seed value chains tailored to serve the specific needs of Nigerian farmers.
The association expressed profound appreciation to key government figures who made these advancements possible. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was thanked for his decisive approval of the fund’s disbursement. Vice President Kashim Shettima was acknowledged for his role in launching the distribution of “Renewed Hope Seeds” to smallholder farmers at the recent SeedConnect Africa Conference, a gesture seen as a direct commitment to grassroots agricultural support.
Additionally, SEEDAN praised the leadership of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) for their relentless advocacy efforts that contributed to the realization of the fund. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security was also lauded for prioritizing reforms and investments in the seed ecosystem.
Reaffirming its mandate, SEEDAN pledged to continue serving as the umbrella body for responsible seed businesses in Nigeria. The association remains committed to promoting the production, distribution, and adoption of improved seed varieties capable of supporting Nigeria’s food and nutrition security objectives. With the new fund and a strengthened institutional framework, stakeholders are optimistic that the Nigerian seed industry is poised for a period of robust growth and modernization.
