The Director General, National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Dr. Philip Ojo, has stated that appropriate seed legislations at the national and regional level is essential in creating an enabling environment for the development of the sector.
Ojo, represented by the Director, Seed Coordination and Management Service, (NASC) Mr. Zidafamor Jimmy while speaking in Abuja on Thursday at a Capacity Building Workshop on Legal Framework on Seed Trade in Nigeria said harmonizing seed laws in the sub-region will facilitate cross border movement of seeds and provide a broader market for seed enterprise.
Ojo explained that the role of the law to the challenge will provide a legal framework and system that encourages plant breeding leading to the development of superior plant varieties with high yield potentials capable of withstanding conditions resulting from climate change and global population growth.
The NASC DG maintained that the PVP Act, 2021 created a platform to support catalytic innovative approach to drive growing needs and concerns of the seed system with particular emphasis on crop varietal development.
He added that the PVP Act will pragmatically promote Nigeria;s participation in the global seed trade and enhance Nigeria’s quality seed delivery while encouraging private sector participation in the seed sector.
“A viable and sustainable seed system is key for an improved and transformed agricultural sector which is a catalyst for economic recovery and development”
“For any nation in search of true and sustainable agriculture development, the building blocks must be entrenched in a well synchronized seed system”.
Representing the Legal Adviser (NASC), Barrister Zainab Yusuf, on her part noted that the training aims at teaching participants likely causes of poor germination of seeds due to poor handling, teach them likely damages to claim or lose case of frivolous involvement in seed business.
Yusuf assured that the council shall henceforth enforce the rules against sharp practices and prosecute any individual or organization that contravenes provisions of the subsisting laws.
“All agencies whose activities deal with seeds are expected to comply with all directives issued by the council in accordance with the National Seed Law as non-compliance will be tantamount to disrespect for the law of the land and therefore liable to prosecution”.
She added that the Council shall henceforth increase its raid to include all stores, warehouses and markets wherever seeds are being stored to confirm the authenticity of the stored seeds.
