The Federal Government has announced a partnership with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to enhance Nigerian farmers’ access to affordable, quality seeds, a critical step in strengthening food and nutrition security nationwide.

Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, revealed this during a Monday meeting with the OECD Evaluation Mission Team in Abuja. 

He stressed that quality seeds are fundamental to achieving food security under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“If we are to guarantee food security, farmers must have access to affordable, quality seeds at all times. That is why this scheme is in place,” Abdullahi said.

He explained that the administration prioritises year-round farming, irrigation expansion, and adopting resilient seed varieties. 

The minister further noted that the government’s vision extends beyond food security to food sovereignty, ensuring Nigerians “produce what they eat and eat what they produce.”

The OECD Seed Schemes provide an international framework to certify the identity and purity of agricultural seeds traded across borders. 

Nigeria became the 62nd member in October 2022, and 64 countries now participate in the initiative.

Mr Fatuhu Buhari, Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), disclosed that despite being a new entrant, Nigeria has already assumed the role of Secretary of the OECD Africa Forum. 

He added that Nigeria has trained seed system experts from six African countries, showcasing its growing technical leadership in the sector.

Buhari highlighted Nigeria’s comparative advantage: vast arable land, favourable agroecological zones, and a strategic ECOWAS location, making the country attractive to international seed companies targeting African and Middle Eastern markets.

According to OECD Seed Schemes Officer Mr Christophe Rouillard, the partnership will improve seed quality for Nigerian farmers, drive economic growth, and position Nigeria as a regional hub for seed trade.

Source: News Daily