Strengthening Agricultural Policies: SEEDAN's Engagement with the Permanent Secretary of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security

On April 24, 2025, a meeting took place between the President of SEEDAN and his team and the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS). During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary was congratulated on his return, and discussions were held regarding potential collaborations. SEEDAN provided an overview of three significant projects:

1. Institutional Capacity Development Support for SEEDAN

2. Alliance for Cowpea and Maize Commercialization

3. Awareness Creation for Climate-Smart Crop Varieties

The SEEDAN delegation voiced concerns about the absence of seed initiatives in the current programs of the Ministry and noted the delays in payments under the NAGS-AP program, which have persisted for over eight months.

In response, the Permanent Secretary recognized the critical role of seeds in agriculture, communicated the importance of ongoing collaboration, confirmed funding for the rice seed supply for 2025, and assured that the necessary payments would be processed once the issues with the Ministry of Finance are resolved.

Furthermore, the Permanent Secretary encouraged SEEDAN to increase its visibility and work in close partnership with the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) and other relevant departments. SEEDAN expressed its commitment to following this guidance and maintaining robust collaboration with the recommended sectors of the Ministry and applicable development organizations.

The meeting was attended by the permanent secretary of FMAFS, Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi, and SEEDAN President Alh. Yusuf Kibiya Ado; SEEDAN Treasurer- Alh. Ali Ahmed Ali and SEEDAN Ag. Executive Secretary- Mr. Stephen Adigun Oludapo.

Written by SEEDAN Secretariat- April 25, 2025.

The PS- Dr. Marcus Olaniyi Ogunbiyi flanked by SEEDAN President, Treasurer, and Ag. Executive Secretary

August 2024 Update: Key Developments in Nigeria's Seed Industry by SEEDAN

The Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) remains dedicated to advancing the seed sector by collaborating with key stakeholders and implementing strategic initiatives. As the agricultural season progresses, SEEDAN has been actively involved in various projects to enhance seed distribution and governance. Here’s a summary of the latest updates from SEEDAN for August 2024.

1. Updates on the National Agricultural Growth Scheme-Agricultural Productivity Program (NAGS-AP)

This month, SEEDAN engaged in productive discussions with the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), the NAGS-AP National Project Coordinator, the National Association of Indigenous Seed Producers (NAIDA), and other relevant agencies to clarify the current status of the NAGS-AP program. These discussions were pivotal in addressing the concerns of SEEDAN members regarding seed distribution and program participation.

Seed Company and Crop Variety Mapping

SEEDAN has received official confirmation from NASC regarding the distribution list for the seed companies involved in the 2024 NAGS-AP wet season program. The approved list includes a total of 2,960.33 metric tons of rice, maize, sorghum, and soybean seeds. These seeds are allocated to different agro-ecological zones based on the crop varieties specified in the seed companies' Expressions of Interest (EoI), and NASC’s quality assurance evaluations.

Despite the efforts to include as many companies as possible, the government's reduction in the number of farmers and the total quantity of seeds and other agro-inputs has led to a lower-than-expected number of participating companies. SEEDAN appeals to members for understanding, especially those not selected for this season, and reassures them that the 2024/2025 dry season program is still planned and is expected to proceed under the auspices of the Presidency and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS).

2. Approved Seed Packaging and Pricing Details

To streamline operations and maintain consistency, SEEDAN has communicated the approved packaging sizes and pricing for seeds under the NAGS-AP program:

Approved Packaging Sizes:

• Rice: 25 kg

• Maize: 10 kg

• Sorghum: 7.5 kg

• Soybean: 20 kg

  
  

Pricing per Kilogram:

• Rice: N1,700

• Maize: N1,700

• Sorghum: N1,600

• Soybean: N2,000

  
  

Participating farmers are required to contribute 25% of the seed cost, with the remaining 75% covered by the Federal Government. This arrangement helps to make high-quality seeds more accessible to farmers while sharing the financial responsibility between the government and the farmers.

3. Delivery and Coordination with Redemption Centers

Under the program, selected seed companies are responsible for delivering seeds to designated redemption centers. This process must be completed promptly to ensure the smooth distribution of seeds to farmers. Agrodealer partners will manage the safe storage of these seeds at each center, and all parties are encouraged to coordinate closely to avoid delays.

To facilitate seamless operations, seed companies and agrodealers are expected to negotiate and finalize agreements regarding seed pricing, factoring in any handling charges or commissions. Detailed documentation, including waybills and store receipt vouchers, must be maintained to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.

4. Simplified Payment Process

To reduce bureaucracy and streamline operations, the NAGS-AP coordinating office has decided that the program will proceed without formal contracts with the government. Instead, a simplified payment and delivery process has been established:

• Agrodealer Coordination: Agrodealers contact seed companies to provide redemption center details.

• Agreement and Delivery: Seed companies negotiate terms with agrodealers, deliver seeds, and ensure proper documentation.

• Documentation Submission: Complete documents are submitted to NASC for further processing with NAGS-AP/FMAFS.

This process aims to ensure timely payment to seed companies and efficient seed distribution, ultimately benefiting the farmers.

Moving Forward

SEEDAN appreciates the continued support and trust of its members as it navigates the complexities of the seed industry. By working closely with key stakeholders and maintaining a focus on transparency and efficiency, SEEDAN is committed to fostering a robust and resilient seed sector in Nigeria.

For further details or inquiries, please reach out to the SEEDAN Secretariat. Download the file below

AUGUST UPDATE SEEDAN 2024 dDS.pdf

Download PDF • 304KB

Contact Information:

Stephen Adigun OludapoActing Executive SecretarySeed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN)Phone: +234-806-752-3028

Thank you for your dedication to advancing Nigeria's seed industry. Together, we can ensure a prosperous future for our farmers and the nation’s agriculture.

Empowering Nigeria’s Seed Sector: SEEDAN’s Strategic Moves in July 2024

The Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) continues to make significant strides in advancing the seed trade sector, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across the nation. This July, SEEDAN has focused on enhancing its leadership, securing sustainable funding, and engaging in pivotal industry discussions. Here’s a comprehensive update on SEEDAN’s latest activities and strategic initiatives.

1. Welcoming a New Patron: Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu

In a notable development, SEEDAN has appointed His Excellency, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (CON), the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, as its new Patron. Senator Bagudu’s acceptance of this role underscores his dedication to the advancement of agriculture and the seed trade in Nigeria. His leadership and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, especially in the realm of food security, will provide invaluable guidance to SEEDAN as it continues to enhance the seed sector nationwide.

2. Establishing the Seed Industry Financing Committee

Recognizing the critical need for sustainable funding within Nigeria’s seed industry, SEEDAN has constituted the “Seed Industry Financing Committee.” This initiative was inspired by recent discussions with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), where the need for structured funding for seed companies was highlighted.

The committee, led by Sir George Zangir and comprising industry experts and seasoned professionals, has been tasked with several key objectives:

• Developing strategies for sustainable seed industry financing.

• Crafting a detailed funding proposal for submission to the NSIA.

• Creating a framework to manage funding schemes tailored for seed companies.

• Reviewing and adapting existing financing models, such as the Seed Company Structured Financing Model developed by NIRSAL Plc.

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The establishment of this committee marks a proactive step towards securing the financial health of the seed sector, ensuring that Nigerian seed companies have the resources they need to thrive and innovate.

3. Active Participation in Key Meetings and Workshops

SEEDAN has been actively engaged in a series of important meetings and workshops, reflecting its commitment to staying at the forefront of industry developments and policy implementation. Notable events attended by SEEDAN representatives in July 2024 include:

• 2nd Seed Policy Implementation Roundtable by NABG, held on June 25 at NASC HQs, FCT, focused on advancing the national seed policy.

• NSIA’s Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Consultative Roundtable, hosted on June 26 in Lagos, explored possibilities and opportunities in local pharmaceutical excipient manufacturing.

• National Seed Policy Implementation Framework Development workshop by NABG in Kano, from July 10-11, aimed at refining the framework for national seed policy implementation.

• International Conference on Biotechnology (ICoB24), held in Abuja from July 15-19, where global experts discussed advancements in biotechnology and their implications for agriculture.

• CSP National Seed Sector Platform Webinar, held on July 16, which highlighted the impact of innovations in Nigeria’s variety release system on farmers, companies, and breeders.

  
  

Looking ahead, SEEDAN is set to participate in several upcoming workshops and events, including the Biofortification Thought Leadership Series by HarvestPlus in Lagos and a Seed Systems Development Workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These engagements are part of SEEDAN’s ongoing efforts to align the Nigerian seed industry with international standards and best practices.

4. Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Excellence

As SEEDAN continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the seed industry, its commitment to excellence and innovation remains unwavering. The association’s strategic initiatives, from appointing influential leaders to establishing critical funding mechanisms, demonstrate a robust dedication to fostering a vibrant and resilient seed sector in Nigeria.

By actively participating in industry discussions and workshops, SEEDAN ensures that it remains a key player in shaping the future of agriculture in Nigeria. As the association moves forward, it invites all stakeholders to join in its mission to elevate the standards of the seed industry, ensuring food security and sustainable agricultural practices for generations to come.

For further information on SEEDAN’s activities or to get involved, please contact the SEEDAN Secretariat.

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