The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago, has moved to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural future through a strategic partnership with the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), targeting expanded access to improved seeds and the establishment of seed multiplication centres across the state.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the agency’s Director-General/CEO, Bello Bawa Bwari, in Abuja, the governor underscored Niger State’s commitment to aligning with national biosafety standards while accelerating food production and agricultural innovation.
Bago commended the leadership of the agency, noting that its renewed direction is critical to supporting modern agricultural practices. He affirmed the state’s readiness to collaborate with NBMA and other relevant institutions to scale up access to approved, high-performing crop varieties for farmers.
The engagement signals a coordinated push to integrate Niger State’s agricultural transformation agenda with Nigeria’s biosafety regulatory framework, particularly in advancing food security, ensuring the safe application of biotechnology, and improving seed systems.
In his remarks, Bwari highlighted NBMA’s role in facilitating safe agricultural innovation through a science-driven regulatory system. He pointed to the commercialisation of genetically improved crops such as Bt cotton, Bt cowpea, and TELA maize as evidence of progress, citing gains in yield, pest resistance, and climate adaptability.
He further disclosed that the agency is working closely with the Niger State Government to deepen research collaboration and ensure farmers’ timely access to quality, approved seeds under strict regulatory oversight.
Describing the partnership as a strategic intervention, the NBMA boss said it would strengthen Nigeria’s pursuit of food security, food sovereignty, and sustainable agricultural development.
The visit culminated in the presentation of an award of recognition to Governor Bago, honouring his leadership and contributions to advancing agricultural development and institutional collaboration.
