In Nigeria, as in much of Africa, weaknesses in the seed sector remain a major constraint on the productivity of staple crops such as rice and maize. As Africa’s most populous country looks to boost output to meet current and future demand, building a strong and reliable seed industry has become a priority for the federal government.

Ahead of the launch in late November of a Strategy and Investment Plan for the sector, the authorities received technical support from AGRA. In an interview with Ecofin Agency, Esther Ibrahim, who has worked as a programme officer in Nigeria since 2017, outlines AGRA’s role in shaping the roadmap, its implementation, and the organisation’s initiatives across the local seed value chain.

Ecofin Agency (EA): AGRA plays a major role in agricultural development in Nigeria, particularly in the seed sector. What is the primary goal of these interventions?

Esther Ibrahim (EI): First, I should say that AGRA’s vision is to support farmers by placing them at the centre of our programmes. We work with partners across the entire value chain, from government and research institutions to the private sector, to change the narrative around agriculture. The goal is to ensure that farmers are not farming for subsistence alone, but are able to turn farming into a viable business.

At AGRA, we believe that a strong seed system is fundamental, alongside sustainable farming practices, sound policies, inclusive markets, and access to trade and finance. As we work to advance African-led solutions that sustainably increase productivity and connect farmers to regional and global markets, everything starts with seeds. It is often said that up to 50% of agricultural productivity is linked to seed quality. If farmers have access to quality, climate-smart and nutrient-dense seeds, they are already addressing a large part of the challenge. Without good seeds, investments in other inputs are far less effective.

Nigeria’s seed sector is growing. There are more than 200 registered private seed companies, possibly over 300. The country also has several research institutes, each with specific mandates to develop crop varieties.

In Nigeria, AGRA has been actively involved in the seed sector through partnerships. We have supported a wide range of actors, from institutions to plant breeders, with a focus on building the human capacity needed to develop improved seed varieties. We are also engaged in supporting the development of appropriate policies to guide the seed system.

Nigeria’s seed sector is growing. There are more than 200 registered private seed companies, possibly over 300. The country also has several research institutes, each with specific mandates to develop crop varieties. However, despite the number of varieties already available, the adoption of certified seeds remains low for key crops that are critical for food consumption and the feed industry, such as maize, as well as other crops including rice, soybean and groundnuts.

EA: On the policy side, Nigeria rolled out a new Seed Sector Strategy and Investment Plan in late November. What role did AGRA play in shaping this framework?

EI: AGRA has been involved in many areas, and it would be difficult to list them all. However, it is important to note that since 2016, AGRA has been supporting Nigeria’s National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC).

Between 2016 and 2020, we worked closely with NASC to update the National Agricultural Seeds Council Act, which was eventually enacted by decree in 2019. This work focused on strengthening the legal framework governing seed testing, variety release, certification, quality control, marketing, trade and use. It also included the domestication of the harmonised ECOWAS seed regulation and the establishment of clear rules for private sector participation in seed production and certification, including management and licensing.

AGRA also contributed to the development of an online portal to manage variety registration and release, and supported work on the production of early generation seed to address challenges related to the availability and accessibility of quality seed for smallholder farmers.

As part of this process, the National Agricultural Seeds Council was reconstituted to strengthen overall seed system development. In addition, a seed registration and release committee, along with its subcommittees, was set up to oversee the release of new varieties at the national level.

AGRA also contributed to the development of an online portal to manage variety registration and release, and supported work on the production of early generation seed to address challenges related to the availability and accessibility of quality seed for smallholder farmers. We were also involved in the development and periodic updating of the national seed catalogue, while ensuring that ECOWAS seed regulations are effectively implemented and that private seed companies can see tangible benefits from this framework.

Through this work, AGRA has helped put in place a comprehensive and updated legal and regulatory framework for the seed sector. However, AGRA is not acting alone. We are working with the right partners, and more stakeholders are coming on board and committing to the process.

The Seed Sector Strategy and Investment Plan now provide a clear roadmap for collaboration among government, the private sector and development partners to address the remaining challenges in the seed sector. The updated legal framework is aligned with global best practices, reflecting the reforms supported by AGRA under the new national seed legislation.

EA: The strategy outlines several priority interventions across the seed value chain. What actions will be implemented first?

EI: The plan we launched in Abuja focuses first on meeting seed production targets for key crops such as maize, rice, sorghum, cowpea, soybean, and groundnuts, while also increasing the share of certified seed. For example, the objective is to raise certified maize seed use from 50% to 70%, and rice from 44% to 60%. Similar improvements are expected for other priority crops, including groundnuts and sorghum.

So, one of the priorities is the development of financial models for seed companies and enterprises. AGRA is already collaborating with Sahel Consulting in Nigeria to support the Seed Entrepreneurs and Development Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN), which serves as the umbrella body for private seed companies. Together, we are helping establish sustainable financing models and strengthen governance systems. Just a few days ago, SEEDAN’s strategic plan was validated, positioning the association to take greater ownership, advocate more effectively, and push forward financing mechanisms for seed enterprises.

In late 2024, AGRA supported three research institutes to fast-track the release of improved varieties, including zinc-enriched rice. Two varieties which are FARO 71 and FARO 72 have now been released in Nigeria. We are also working with IITA on cowpea, a crop essential for nutrition and women’s livelihoods.

Another priority is strengthening seed distribution networks and professionalizing seed companies. Talking about the cost, the investment required for the plan is estimated at ₦2.48 billion, or approximately $5.76 million. Breeding and variety release represent around 34% of the budget, reflecting their critical importance. The breeding-to-release cycle has traditionally been long from seven to ten years but with targeted interventions from AGRA and other partners, it has been reduced to about three years. Efforts continue to further accelerate this process, particularly for high-yielding and nutrient-dense varieties.

In late 2024, AGRA supported three research institutes to fast-track the release of improved varieties, including zinc-enriched rice. Two varieties which are FARO 71 and FARO 72 have now been released in Nigeria. We are also working with IITA on cowpea, a crop essential for nutrition and women’s livelihoods. One of three climate-smart, nutrient-rich cowpea varieties has already been released. Additionally, we are collaborating with the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) to develop improved soybean varieties, given their importance for nutrition. We are also working on quality assurance that is another major investment area, accounting for about 31% of the budget, as seed quality is fundamental to system performance. AGRA previously worked with NASC to strengthen quality control mechanisms, and this partnership continues. A key tool is the electronic seed tracking system—SeedCodex—which enables traceability through unique codes, similar to systems used in pharmaceuticals. This allows buyers and regulators to verify which company produced a specific seed lot, helping address quality issues more effectively. Overall, the plan aims to ensure both the availability of improved varieties and the integrity of seed quality, laying a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s seed sector.

EA: Access to improved seed varieties is important, but adoption on the ground is what really matters. How does the strategy plan to raise farmer awareness and encourage the use of certified seeds?

EI: Improved seed systems are critical for food security, farmer livelihoods and reducing Nigeria’s food import bill. Around 80% of Nigerian farmers are smallholders. As I often say, the technology already exists, but seeds do not have legs. They do not reach farmers on their own. Something has to take them there, and that is where extension services play a crucial role by ensuring that innovations developed by research institutions reach end users, the farmers.

We are working with partners to promote a community-based advisory model. This is a public-private partnership involving the federal government and private-sector actors, aimed at narrowing the extension gap faced by farmers.

To address this gap, we are working with partners to promote a community-based advisory model. This is a public-private partnership involving the federal government and private-sector actors, aimed at narrowing the extension gap faced by farmers. According to the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NEARLS), the extension agent-to-farmer ratio averaged about one agent for 6,000 farmers in 2021. That level of coverage is clearly insufficient.

Through the community-based advisor model, we are working to improve the situation, particularly in states where we are active, such as Kaduna and Niger. More broadly, we are engaging with the Nigerian government to ensure that extension services receive the support they need to deliver technologies directly to farmers.

As part of this effort, we have digitized training manuals for multiple crop varieties, highlighting the benefits of using improved seeds for maize, rice, cowpea, soybean, tomatoes and cassava. Working with partners, we have also strengthened the capacity of Community-Based Advisors in collaboration with NEARLS, Sasakawa Africa Association (SSA) and several private seed companies, including Premier Seed. These partners are producing quality seed and gradually scaling this approach to additional states across Nigeria.

Strengthening last-mile input delivery remains a priority. Premier Seed, for example, currently engages around 70 young people in seed production and multiplication, while more than 80 others work as rural sales promoters. These Community-Based Advisors are trained by NEARLS and integrated into Premier Seed’s distribution network, ensuring a continuous presence at the grassroots level.

This model is no longer limited to a single company. We continue to work with multiple stakeholders to expand and strengthen this public–private partnership framework across the country.  

EA: Investments in seed testing laboratories, quality assurance infrastructure, and distribution networks have proven transformative in several African countries. What specific improvements or investments are planned in Nigeria to strengthen seed quality control, reduce counterfeiting, and expand last-mile access?

EI: We will continue to align Nigeria’s national seed regulations with ECOWAS standards, particularly in the areas of variety release, registration and certification. This includes advocacy to ensure compliance, as well as capacity-building efforts to support regional seed trade.

On the infrastructure side, AGRA has supported the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) in upgrading its seed certification laboratory, along with two regional satellite laboratories. These investments enabled NASC to obtain accreditation from the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). As new technologies emerge, periodic upgrades will be necessary, but NASC has so far been able to maintain this accreditation and continues to strengthen compliance and quality assurance across the seed system.

Nigeria also became the 80th member of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) in March 2025. This followed significant progress in strengthening the national seed sector, with support from AGRA and other stakeholders working closely with NASC. In parallel, seed regulations are being strengthened through the gazetting of the Plant Variety Protection (PVP) framework and the development of clearer procedures for certification, import and export controls, and variety release, in line with ECOWAS requirements. Ongoing initiatives under the Seed Connect platform aim to harmonise processes, reduce bottlenecks and accelerate regional seed trade.

On counterfeiting, a feasibility assessment confirmed the presence of fake seeds in the market, but several mitigation measures are already in place. The Seed Codex, an electronic tagging and traceability system, is now affixed to all certified seed packages. Different tag formats are used for vegetables and cereals, as well as for various bag sizes such as 2 kg, 5 kg and 10 kg, making it easier for farmers to authenticate seeds.

NASC also conducts regular market inspections and has raided agro-dealer shops found selling improperly labelled or uncertified seeds. In addition, through its Management Information System, NASC can compare a company’s declared annual seed production with volumes observed in the market. If a company reports producing 10 tonnes but 20 tonnes are found in circulation, an investigation is triggered. Taken together, this system, combined with the Seed Codex, significantly reduces opportunities for fraud.

EA: What major operational challenges do you anticipate during the implementation of the strategy?

EI: In terms of implementation, the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) will lead the process. With offices across Nigeria’s six agro-ecological zones, NASC is the primary agency responsible for coordinating and monitoring the execution of the strategy. It will work closely with key stakeholders, including SEEDAN, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), CGIAR centres and other private-sector actors. This is a collective effort that requires strong collaboration across the entire ecosystem.

AGRA will also play its part by working alongside NASC. These implementation arrangements were presented and discussed during the eighth edition of the SeedConnect Africa Conference in Abuja, where the strategy was officially launched. Stakeholders also proposed hosting the investment plan on NASC’s website, and potentially on AGRA’s website as well, to ensure wider access.

Ultimately, transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector depends on having a strong and functional seed system in place. Seeds are the foundation of agriculture, and this critical segment must be effective and fully operational if broader agricultural transformation is to succeed

Advocacy will be critical, particularly efforts to increase public budget allocations to agriculture, strengthen SEEDAN and the National Seed Sector Platform to enhance private-sector representation, and promote the use of seed authentication tools such as Seed Codex, Seed Tracker, developed by IITA, and other digital solutions. Over time, these systems are expected to be integrated into a unified Seed Management Information System.

The investment plan is designed to serve as a strategic tool for NASC, helping to attract funding into the seed sector. AGRA will continue to provide technical guidance to support effective implementation. It is also important to stress that work on the seed system is not starting from scratch. Several collaborations, tools and initiatives are already in place to address different aspects of the seed sector.

Going forward, strengthening coordination and avoiding duplication will be essential to building a coherent and efficient seed system. Ultimately, transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector depends on having a strong and functional seed system in place. Seeds are the foundation of agriculture, and this critical segment must be effective and fully operational if broader agricultural transformation is to succeed.

Interview by Espoir Olodo