The Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the disbursement of the N50 billion Seed Industry Catalytic Fund, describing the intervention as a major boost to national food security, agribusiness development, and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) growth in the agricultural sector.
The fund, domiciled with the Bank of Industry (BoI) and implemented under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reflects a clear commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s seed sector while stimulating private sector investment.
In a statement signed by its President, Alhaji Yusuf-Ado Kibiya, SEEDAN also praised Vice President Kashim Shettima for launching the distribution of Renewed Hope Seeds to smallholder farmers at the recent SeedConnect Africa Conference.
The association acknowledged the efforts of the Director-General and management of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) for their advocacy, which contributed significantly to the establishment of the fund. SEEDAN further commended the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for prioritizing initiatives that support Nigeria’s seed ecosystem.
SEEDAN urged seed companies and SMEs across the country to leverage the catalytic fund by investing in seed production, packaging, distribution, and marketing, ensuring farmers have access to high-quality improved seeds nationwide. “Effective utilisation of this facility will accelerate industry growth, improve competitiveness, and transform Nigeria’s agricultural landscape,” the association said.
The statement highlighted key achievements over the past year, including the successful merger of institutions within the private seed sector, which strengthened SEEDAN’s governance and advocacy capacity. The association also attained Ordinary Status Membership of the International Seed Federation (ISF), enhancing Nigeria’s global integration in the seed industry and opening opportunities for international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
To deepen engagement and innovation, SEEDAN established a Biotechnology Committee, supported by the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA), to promote the responsible use of modern biotechnology tools aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity.
Additionally, SEEDAN developed a comprehensive five-year strategic plan with support from the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and Sahel Consulting Limited. The plan focuses on expanding private-sector participation, driving innovation, and strengthening the seed value chain.
As the umbrella body for responsible seed businesses in Nigeria, SEEDAN reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the production, distribution, and adoption of quality improved seed varieties. The association emphasized that its initiatives aim not only to support farmers but also to create opportunities for agribusiness SMEs, enhance food security, and drive sustainable growth across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
