The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing plant breeding, crop improvement, and food security with renewed momentum following its admission as the 80th member of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).
Speaking at the 3rd International Conference of the Nigerian Plant Breeders Association, the Director-General ,NASC, Fatuhu Muhammed Buhari, stated that the milestone is symbolic for Nigeria’s seed sector, which will mark 50 years of development during the Seed Connect Conference slated for November 27–28, 2025.
Represented by a senior official in NASC, the DG explained that the Nigeria Plant Variety Protection Office, which he also heads, has been pivotal in safeguarding breeders’ rights through intellectual property protection.
He recalled Nigeria’s progress since 2018 when it joined UPOV as a technical member, noting that its full membership earlier this year paves the way for stronger participation in global seed governance.
He further disclosed that Nigeria will, for the first time, take part in the UPOV Council between October 19 and November 3, while efforts are ongoing to enroll the country on the UPOV PRISMA and e-application platforms, which will allow Nigerian breeders to directly protect new varieties.
Also delivering her goodwill message, Dr. Rose Gidado, who represented the Director-General of the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NABDA), Professor Abdullahi Mustapha, congratulated the Nigeria Plant Breeders Association (NPBA) for setting high standards and commended its president, Professor Chiedozie Egesi, for his leadership.
According to her, the conference theme, “Crop Improvement for Food Security, Sustainable Agricultural System and Environment,” aligns with NABDA’s mission of leveraging biotechnology and research to strengthen agriculture.
She highlighted NPBA’s role in developing improved crop varieties, advocating for better funding, mentoring young breeders, and fostering research collaborations, stressing that such efforts are vital for tackling challenges of low yields, climate change, and food insecurity.
She affirmed that empowering young breeders, driving genetic gains, and building sustainable agricultural practices remain central to Nigeria’s future, adding that collaboration between NPBA, NABDA, OFAB, and international associations such as the African Plant Breeders Association will be key to achieving food security and resilience.
