Seed council catalyst for Nigeria’s food security revolution -NASC DG

Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari, the newly inaugurated director general, National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), has assured his tenure wil be a catalyst for the present administration’s ‘Renewed Hope Food Security Revolution,’

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, which held in Abuja on Friday, the DG pledged to lead the council with integrity, transparency, and an unrelenting focus on results.

According to Fatuhu Buhari, “Agriculture stands at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Administration, adding that President Tinubu’s vision for Food Security, Economic Diversification, and Sustainable Development is clear: Nigeria must feed itself and unlock the full potential of its Agri-business sector.”

Buhari said, “Seeds are the first link in the Agricultural value chain-the tiny but mighty catalysts of abundance. Without quality seeds, there can be no thriving farms; without thriving farms, there can be no food security.”

He assured that under his leadership the council will strengthen regulatory agencies, partner with research institutes, expand seed multiplication programmes and engage seed companies, development agencies, and investors to scale up production and distribution.

He noted that, “seeds are the first link in the agricultural value chain-the tiny but mighty catalysts of abundance. Without quality seeds, there can be no thriving farms; without thriving farms, there can be no food security.”

“Under my leadership, the Seed Council will, strengthen regulatory frameworks to ensure farmers access only high-yielding, disease-resistant seeds, Partner with research institutions and Agri-tech pioneers to develop climate-smart seed varieties,” he said.

Buhari noted that during his predecessor’s tenure, the NASC made notable strides by strengthening seed quality assurance systems, enhancing capacity building for seed producers, and nurturing strategic partnerships with research institutions and private seed companies.

He said Nigeria must feed itself and unlock the full potential of its agri-business sector, noting that the National Agricultural Seed Council is pivotal to this mission”.

“To the farmers, he said your feedback will guide our policies, to researchers and seed companies, your innovations will drive us, to Development Partners – Your support will amplify our impact and to the The Media – Your voice will keep the nation informed and inspired.”

He urged stakeholders to, together, sow the seeds of Renewed Hope and reap a harvest of prosperity for generations to come.

In his remarks Ishiaku Khalid, immediate past acting DG, highlighted key reforms, achievements under him to include financial milestones and strategic partnerships that defined their tenure from May 2023 to March 2025.

“The NASC, as the apex regulatory body overseeing Nigeria’s seed industry, has made significant strides in including Institutional Reforms, Global Recognition, Capacity Building and Infrastructure Development.”

Presenting the financial highlights under his tenure, he said in the 2023-2024 budget, NASC received N2.64 billion for personnel, N258.4 million for overheads, and N12.05 billion for capital projects, with nearly 100 percent utilisation rate.

“2025 Budget Appropriation: ₦7.769 billion, comprising ₦2.262 billion for personnel, ₦240,014,754 million for overhead, and ₦5.267 billion for capital expenditure.”

He noted that despite the progress made, NASC faced challenges such as inadequate overhead funding, lack of logistics support, aging seed processing machinery, and the need for a national seed reserve.

“The incoming leadership is expected to address these challenges and build on the foundations laid by the outgoing administration,” he said

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