News in brief:
– Nigeria joins UPOV, enhancing its Plant Variety Protection (PVP) framework to promote seed innovation and food security.
– The move is expected to attract investment, boost agricultural research, and introduce climate-smart seed varieties.
Nigeria has officially become the 80th member of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), a global network dedicated to plant breeding and seed innovation.
The Acting Director General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Dr Ishiak Khalid, made this announcement at the 2025 Annual Early Generation Seed (EGS) Planning and Coordination Meeting in Abuja. He stated that Nigeria’s membership in UPOV would enhance the country’s Plant Variety Protection (PVP) framework, encouraging the development of nutrient-rich, climate-resilient, and high-yielding seed varieties.
Boosting agricultural research and investment
Khalid expressed optimism that joining UPOV would attract more investment in agricultural research and development, positioning Nigeria as a leader in global seed technology. He highlighted that strong legal protection for plant breeders would encourage local and international seed companies to introduce advanced agricultural innovations to Nigeria, benefiting farmers and increasing food production.
He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed the Instrument of Ascension, formalising Nigeria’s membership in UPOV.
Khalid reaffirmed NASC’s commitment to international best practices in seed production, pointing out that Nigeria is also a member of the OECD Seed Schemes and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). He emphasised that Early Generation Seeds (EGS) are critical to transforming Nigeria’s agriculture and ensuring food security.
“We are here today not just to discuss seeds but to shape the future of Nigeria’s food security,” he stated.
He added that NASC’s ISTA-accredited laboratory ensures Nigerian seeds meet global quality standards, making the country’s seed sector more competitive.
