Nigeria adopts a new seed strategy to accelerate agricultural productivity

NIGERIA – Nigeria introduced its Seed Sector Strategy and Investment Plan at the SeedConnect Africa conference in Abuja on November 27.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and the National Agricultural Seeds Council worked with AGRA to prepare the plan, which will run from 2025 to 2030. The strategy directs N2.48 billion (US$5.76 million) toward improving seed quality and availability.

Officials say they will direct close to 65 percent of this amount toward varietal improvement and strict quality checks.

Dr. Esther Ibrahim, Program Officer at AGRA Nigeria, welcomed the launch. “Nigeria now has a clear, ambitious, and evidence-based plan that can catalyze investment, drive innovation, and build producer confidence. We look forward to supporting its implementation,” she said.

Dr. Francis M. Mwatuni, who leads Seed Systems Analysis at AGRA, said the process shows the value of strong data and teamwork. “Through SeedSAT, we have worked closely with national institutions to identify constraints and set clear and operational priorities. Nigeria is a concrete example of how this tool can strengthen coordination, improve quality and build producer confidence,” he said.

Nigeria wants to increase the use of improved seeds across its main crops. At the moment, only 11 percent of maize farmers and 3 percent of cowpea farmers plant improved varieties. This trend keeps yields low and slows progress.

The new plan focuses on maize by aiming to raise certified seed production from 50 percent to 70 percent. It also sets targets for rice, increasing it from 44 percent to 60 percent, and covers sorghum, soybeans, yams, groundnuts and wheat. Authorities will support commercial seed producers, reform regulations and scale up digital planning through tools such as SeedTracker and SeedCodex.

Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture, said the country sees seed as a core input for food security. “Seed is the foundation of agriculture. With this strategy, Nigeria is showing its determination to close productivity gaps, reduce its import bill and give millions of farmers the tools they need to thrive,” he said.

Why the reform matters

Nigeria faces rising food needs as its population climbs above 230 million. The country spends an average of USD 5.5 billion (approx US$5.5 billion) each year on food imports.

Small scale farmers, who produce most of the country’s food, still struggle with weak access to credit, inputs and quality seeds. Many rely on informal seed exchanges that do not guarantee quality or reliability.

SeedSAT findings show that Nigeria’s seed sector operates at about 45 percent of its full potential. Demand for maize stands between 12 and 15 million tonnes, yet production falls short by close to 4 million tonnes.

Officials believe the new strategy can help improve the seed market, strengthen certification and clean up distribution channels.

The success of this plan will depend on strong cooperation between public and private actors. Seed companies will need clarity and support to invest in early generation seeds, certification and varietal research. Farmer training will also play a key role, since most producers still depend on unscreened seed sources.

The strategy also calls for consistent action across federal and state levels. Differences in local environments, farmer capacity and rural logistics may shape results. Still, officials say the roadmap gives Nigeria a practical chance to improve yields and reduce pressure on its food supply chain.

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