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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