Self sufficiency in food production will be a pipe dream if enough attention is not paid to the right seedlings for the farmer. The new director general of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari, recognises the importance of this in the food security chain. He has, therefore, pledged that his leadership will be instrumental in achieving the government’s anticipated revolution in food security. Buhari gave the assurance during the handing over ceremony at his new office.
The new director general said he would be committed to leading the council with integrity, transparency, and a strong focus on tangible results.
He emphasized the central role of agriculture in President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for food security, economic diversification, and sustainable development. Buhari underscored the critical importance of seeds as the foundational element of the agricultural value chain, describing seeds as “tiny but mighty catalysts of abundance.” According to him, without the seeds it is not possible to have thriving farmers, and by extension it will be impossible to achieve food security.
Buhari outlined his plans to strengthen regulatory bodies, collaborate with research institutions, expand seed multiplication initiatives, and engage with seed companies, development agencies, and investors to significantly increase seed production and distribution. He reiterated that the council under his guidance will enhance regulations to ensure farmers have access to high-yielding, disease-resistant seeds and partner with research and Agri-tech leaders to develop climate-smart varieties.
He praised his predecessor, Ishiaku Khalid, for strengthening seed quality assurance, enhancing capacity building for seed producers, and fostering strategic partnerships. To consolidate on these achievements, Buhari called upon farmers to give feedback, and ask researchers and seed companies for their innovations, while he also implored development partners to give more support. He concluded by seeking the support of the media by informing and inspiring the nation.
In his remarks, the outgoing acting DG, Ishiaku Khalid, highlighted significant progress made during his tenure (May 2023 to March 2025), including institutional reforms, global recognition, capacity building, and infrastructure development, alongside key financial achievements and strategic partnerships.
He reported a near 100 percent utilization rate of the N2.64 billion personnel, N258.4 million overhead, and N12.05 billion capital project allocations in the 2023-2024 budget. He also presented the 2025 budget appropriation of ₦7.769 billion.
Khalid also pointed out challenges such as inadequate overhead funding, logistics limitations, aging equipment, and the need for a national seed reserve, expressing hope that the incoming leadership would address these issues and build upon the existing foundation.
