The Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) has reported a series of institutional and policy milestones, while commending the Federal Government for establishing the ₦50 billion Seed Industry Catalytic Fund aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s seed sector and food security drive.
In a statement on Sunday signed by Yusuf-Ado Kibiya, president of SEEDAN, the association said it had successfully completed an institutional merger over the past year, a move that harmonised operations and strengthened a unified private-sector voice for seed entrepreneurs nationwide.
“The merger has improved governance coordination and advocacy across the industry,” the statement read.
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The statement also announced the admission of SEEDAN as an Ordinary Status Member of the International Seed Federation, a development the association said integrates Nigeria more firmly into the global seed community and expands opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The association further disclosed the establishment of a Biotechnology Committee with support from the African Seed Trade Association.
According to SEEDAN, the committee will strengthen advocacy and industry engagement while supporting the responsible use of modern biotechnology to improve crop resilience productivity and food security.
With technical support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa and Sahel Consulting Limited, SEEDAN said it has completed a five year strategic plan that provides a roadmap for innovation private sector growth and stronger seed value chains to serve Nigerian farmers.
SEEDAN expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the disbursement of the ₦50 billion Seed Industry Catalytic Fund under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The fund is domiciled with the Bank of Industry and is designed to support investment in seed infrastructure production and marketing.
The association also acknowledged Vice President Kashim Shettima for launching the distribution of Renewed Hope Seeds to smallholder farmers at the SeedConnect Africa Conference.
SEEDAN commended the Director General and management of the National Agricultural Seeds Council for advocacy efforts that contributed to the realisation of the fund.
It also praised the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for prioritising reforms and investments in the seed ecosystem.
The association urged seed companies to fully utilise the catalytic fund to expand infrastructure production packaging and market access, noting that effective use of the facility would accelerate industry growth and improve farmers’ access to quality seeds nationwide.
SEEDAN reaffirmed its commitment as the umbrella body for responsible seed businesses to promote the production distribution and adoption of improved seed varieties capable of supporting Nigeria’s food and nutrition security objectives.
