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Stakeholders Validate Implementation Framework for National Seed Policy in Gombe

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PpppThe National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity in Nigeria as part of the Federal Government’s agenda to achieve food security. This was highlighted during a meeting held in Gombe, where stakeholders in the agricultural value chain gathered to validate the Implementation Framework for the National Seed Policy.

Professor Towolawi Oluwole, Director of Seed Information, Data Management, and Capacity Building at NASC, emphasized the importance of the seed industry, describing it as a critical component for improving agricultural productivity. He noted that although the industry in Nigeria is still evolving, providing farmers with access to high-quality seeds is crucial for driving the agricultural sector forward.

“The seed industry is pivotal for enhancing agricultural productivity. Ensuring farmers have access to the best genetics is essential for increasing yields and achieving food security,” said Professor Oluwole.

The President of the Nigeria AgriBusiness Group (NABG) in Gombe State, Jafar Abubakar, echoed this sentiment, stressing that seeds are the cornerstone of agriculture. He highlighted that quality seeds lead to better yields, increased food security, and improved incomes for farmers. Abubakar reaffirmed NABG’s support for the National Seed Policy.

Cyril Inegbidion, Project Team Lead at HarvestPlus Nigeria, added that the new framework would bolster private sector involvement and enhance inter-agency collaboration, ensuring seamless implementation of the seed policy in Nigeria.

Participants at the event, including Dr. Joseph Kaltungo and Maina Muhammad Makinta, expressed their dedication to supporting the policy’s implementation. The meeting was attended by representatives from government agencies, the private sector, agricultural organizations, seed companies, and academia, all of whom reviewed and endorsed the outcomes of the National Seed Policy’s Implementation Framework.

The event marked a significant step towards improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security in Nigeria through collaborative efforts and the effective implementation of the National Seed Policy.

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Agriculture

Inuwa Yahaya Launches Subsidised Fertiliser Sales to Boost 2025 Wet Season Farming in Gombe

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Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has officially flagged off the sales of fertiliser for the 2025 wet farming season, as part of ongoing efforts to boost agricultural productivity and support farmers across the state.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya revealed that the state government had procured a total of 10,000 tonnes of NPK 20:10:10 fertiliser at the cost of ₦44,000 per bag, but will be sold to farmers at a subsidised rate of ₦27,000 per bag. This, he said, is aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers and ensuring access to essential agricultural inputs.

The Governor stressed that timely access to fertiliser is crucial for increasing crop yields, strengthening food security, and driving economic growth in the state.

He directed the State Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, in collaboration with security agencies, to strictly monitor the sales and distribution process in order to prevent diversion and ensure the fertilisers reach the intended grassroots beneficiaries.

Governor Inuwa also appealed to farmers to respect designated grazing reserves and cattle routes. He advised herders to avoid grazing on farmlands before harvest, in order to prevent conflicts and safeguard crops.

Earlier, the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperatives, Barnabas Malle, commended Governor Yahaya for his agricultural development strides, particularly the establishment of the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Industrial Zone. According to him, the zone hosts strategic facilities including an ultra-modern abattoir, an international livestock market, an international grains market, and an inland dry port, among others.

Commissioner Malle also appealed to local government chairmen and stakeholders to cooperate with ministry officials to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the fertiliser distribution exercise.

In his remarks, the State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Absalom Akwaras Lansibol, acknowledged the pivotal role of the Gombe State Government in ensuring timely and affordable access to quality farm inputs. He praised the administration’s sustained commitment to agricultural development, noting its alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Agricultural Transformation Initiative.

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Agriculture

Obasanjo Flags Off Premier Seed’s Tech-Driven Factory in Gombe, Backs Agro-Industrial Growth

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya have jointly commissioned a state-of-the-art seed processing factory established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Dadinkowa, in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.

The facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology for cleaning, grading, treating, and packaging climate-resilient seed varieties, and is poised to transform the seed supply system across Nigeria. It is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and support the country’s climate adaptation efforts.

Speaking at the event, former President Obasanjo described the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park as a game-changer for sustainable economic development. He lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s visionary leadership, emphasizing that access to quality seeds is critical for a successful agricultural value chain.

He also noted the strategic advantage of the Industrial Park’s proximity to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant and commended Premier Seed for deploying world-class machinery.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed delight at the commissioning of the facility, describing it as a major milestone in his administration’s agro-industrial transformation agenda.

He noted that Premier Seed’s investment reflects growing investor confidence in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which already hosts essential infrastructure such as paved roads, power supply, potable water, and high-speed internet connectivity.

The governor also spotlighted complementary initiatives, including the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone and the proposed International Grains and Livestock Market, aimed at positioning Gombe as a leading agro-economic hub in Nigeria.

Premier Seed’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, acknowledged the support of the UK-funded Propcom+ programme in realizing the project.

Propcom+’s Country Representative Dr. Adiya Ode emphasized that the factory aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security drive and Gombe State’s ambitious transformation vision.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council, Hon. Futuhu Mohammed, commended the initiative and pledged the Council’s commitment to ensuring that seed quality standards are strictly maintained.

Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Tourism, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, disclosed that over ₦22 billion has been invested in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park to date, with 85% of infrastructure already completed. He noted that Gombe is now strategically positioned to attract top-tier investors and become a hub for agribusiness innovation.

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Agriculture

Obasanjo Flags Off Premier Seed’s Tech-Driven Factory in Gombe, Backs Agro-Industrial Growth

Published

on

By Our Correspondent

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya have jointly commissioned a state-of-the-art seed processing factory established by Premier Seed Nigeria Limited at the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, Dadinkowa, in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area.

The facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology for cleaning, grading, treating, and packaging climate-resilient seed varieties, and is poised to transform the seed supply system across Nigeria. It is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and support the country’s climate adaptation efforts.

Speaking at the event, former President Obasanjo described the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park as a game-changer for sustainable economic development. He lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s visionary leadership, emphasizing that access to quality seeds is critical for a successful agricultural value chain.

He also noted the strategic advantage of the Industrial Park’s proximity to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant and commended Premier Seed for deploying world-class machinery.

In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed delight at the commissioning of the facility, describing it as a major milestone in his administration’s agro-industrial transformation agenda.

He noted that Premier Seed’s investment reflects growing investor confidence in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which already hosts essential infrastructure such as paved roads, power supply, potable water, and high-speed internet connectivity.

The governor also spotlighted complementary initiatives, including the 184-hectare Agro-Livestock Development Zone and the proposed International Grains and Livestock Market, aimed at positioning Gombe as a leading agro-economic hub in Nigeria.

Premier Seed’s Managing Director, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, acknowledged the support of the UK-funded Propcom+ programme in realizing the project.

Dr. Abiye Ode of Propcom+ emphasized that the factory aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s food security drive and Gombe State’s ambitious transformation vision.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council, Hon. Futuhu Mohammed, commended the initiative and pledged the Council’s commitment to ensuring that seed quality standards are strictly maintained.

Commissioner for Trade, Investment and Tourism, Nasiru Mohammed Aliyu, disclosed that over ₦22 billion has been invested in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park to date, with 85% of infrastructure already completed. He noted that Gombe is now strategically positioned to attract top-tier investors and become a hub for agribusiness innovation.

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