National Agricultural Seeds Council

28/08/2026

The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), CGIAR and the PROSSIVA Project, today concluded its two-day training for Licensed Seed Inspectors (LSIs) and Cassava Stem Cutting Producers with a practical field visit.
The second day took the training from the classroom to the field, giving participants valuable hands-on experience in cassava field inspection, seed quality assessment and identification of common cassava diseases that can affect the quality and productivity of planting materials.
A key component of the practical session was the demonstration and use of the NASC Seed Tracker, exposing participants to the application of digital technology in seed inspection and certification activities. The platform supports efficient field data collection, monitoring, traceability and management of seed-related activities, helping to improve transparency and effectiveness within the seed system.
The practical field exercise enabled participants to apply the knowledge gained during the first day while gaining a better understanding of how technology can complement field inspection and certification processes.
The Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council, Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed, also participated in the programme, underscoring the Council’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of seed inspectors, promoting digital innovation and ensuring the availability of quality planting materials to Nigerian farmers.
🌾 From classroom learning to practical field experience, and from manual processes to digital tracking, NASC continues to strengthen Nigeria’s seed system through knowledge, technology and quality assurance.

27/08/2026

The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), CGIAR and the PROSSIVA Project, today commenced a two-day training for Licensed Seed Inspectors (LSIs) and Cassava Stem Cutting Producers (Outgrowers).
The training is focused on strengthening the technical capacity of Licensed Seed Inspectors and enhancing the knowledge and practical skills of cassava stem cutting producers, particularly in the areas of seed certification, quality assurance, inspection procedures and compliance with established standards.
The programme is also aimed at creating greater synergy among stakeholders in the cassava seed subsector and strengthening the systems required to ensure the availability of high-quality, healthy and reliable cassava planting materials for farmers across Nigeria.
The Director-General of the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), Hon Fatuhu Muhammed, attended the opening session and joined other stakeholders in emphasizing the importance of quality assurance, effective inspection and collaboration in building a stronger cassava seed system.
The training provides an important platform for participants to exchange experiences, improve their technical capacity and contribute to the development of a more efficient and sustainable seed sector.
🌾 Strengthening capacity. Ensuring quality. Supporting farmers. Transforming Nigeria’s seed system.

19/08/2026

Today marks the successful completion of six months of training for Mr. Ahmadou Bah, a staff member of the National Seed Secretariat (NSS) of The Gambia, at the NASC Central Seed Testing Laboratory. The training commenced in February 2026 and concluded in August 2026.

The training was designed to strengthen the technical capacity of the NSS in seed certification and quality control. It provided Mr. Bah with practical knowledge and hands-on experience in modern seed testing methods, laboratory procedures, and quality assurance practices in line with internationally recognized standards.

Throughout the training, emphasis was placed on key areas of seed testing, including seed sampling, physical purity analysis, germination testing, moisture content determination, seed viability, seed health testing, and other essential seed quality control procedures.

The successful completion of the programme represents an important step towards strengthening collaboration between The Gambia and Nigeria in the areas of seed certification, testing, and quality assurance. The knowledge and practical experience acquired during the training are expected to contribute significantly to the improvement of seed quality control systems within the National Seed Secretariat of The Gambia.

We congratulate Mr. Ahmadou Bah on the successful completion of his six-month training and wish him every success as he returns to The Gambia to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the programme.

18/08/2026

🌱 RENEWED HOPE SEED SUPPORT PROGRAMME: NASC FLAGS OFF ZAMFARA EDITION IN GUSAU

The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) today continued the implementation of the Renewed Hope Seed Support Programme with the flag-off of the programme in Gusau, Zamfara State.
The programme, themed “Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security through Timely Access to Climate-Smart Improved Seeds,” is aimed at ensuring farmers have timely access to quality, certified and climate-smart improved seeds to enhance productivity and strengthen food and nutrition security.
The event witnessed a strong turnout of farmers, with a significant number of women farmers actively participating and turning out to receive the improved seeds. Their participation underscores the important role of women in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and the need to ensure they have access to the inputs required to improve their productivity and livelihoods.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NASC, Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening the national seed system through increased access to quality seeds.
The Zamfara flag-off further demonstrates NASC’s commitment to reaching farmers across the country and ensuring that improved seeds get directly into the hands of those who need them most.
🌾 Quality seeds. Empowered farmers. A food-secure Nigeria.

16/08/2026

15/08/2026

The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) yesterday continued its Renewed Hope Seed Support Programme with the flag-off of the initiative in Daura, Katsina State.
The programme, themed “Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security through Timely Access to Climate-Smart Improved Seeds,” is an important NASC initiative aimed at ensuring farmers have timely access to quality, certified and climate-smart improved seeds.
The event brought together farmers, government representatives, seed sector stakeholders, development partners and other key players in agriculture, with a shared commitment to strengthening the seed system and improving agricultural productivity.
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NASC, Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring that quality seeds are accessible to those who need them.
📺 Watch NTA’s coverage of the Renewed Hope Seed Support Programme flag-off in Daura, Katsina State.
🌾 Together, we sow hope. Together, we harvest prosperity.

13/08/2026

NASC FLAGS OFF RENEWED HOPE SEED SUPPORT PROGRAMME IN JIGAWA
The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has flagged off the Renewed Hope Seed Support Programme in Dutse, Jigawa State, as part of its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s seed system and ensure farmers have timely access to quality, certified and climate-smart improved seeds.
The programme, themed “Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security through Timely Access to Climate-Smart Improved Seeds,” is designed to support farmers with improved planting materials, promote climate-smart agriculture, boost productivity and contribute to national food and nutrition security.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NASC, Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting farmers and ensuring the availability and accessibility of quality seeds across the country.
The flag-off in Jigawa brings together government representatives, farmers, seed companies, development partners and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, reflecting a collective commitment to building a stronger and more resilient seed industry.
🌾 Together, we sow hope. Together, we harvest prosperity.

11/08/2026

The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC), in collaboration with the respective State Governments, is set to flag off the Renewed Hope Seed Support Programme across Jigawa, Katsina and Zamfara States.
The programme is themed:
“Enhancing Food and Nutrition Security through Timely Access to Climate-Smart Improved Seeds.”
📍 Jigawa State — Thursday, 13th August 2026, 10:00 AM, Dutse
📍 Katsina State — Friday, 14th August 2026, 10:00 AM, Daura
📍 Zamfara State — Tuesday, 18th August 2026, 10:00 AM, Gusau
The initiative is aimed at ensuring farmers have timely access to certified, improved and climate-smart seeds, while supporting increased agricultural productivity, strengthening food and nutrition security, and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
The NASC encourages farmers, agricultural stakeholders, development partners and members of the public to join us as we advance efforts towards a more productive and food-secure Nigeria.
🌾 Together, we sow hope. Together, we harvest prosperity.

07/08/2026

The Director General of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) received a delegation from Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University, on a courtesy visit to strengthen collaboration in Nigeria's agricultural sector.
The meeting focused on the Nigeria Agribusiness Data and Investment Initiative, a strategic effort aimed at enhancing access to reliable agricultural data, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and attracting sustainable investments into the nation's agribusiness ecosystem.
A major highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASC and Lagos Business School, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to support data-driven agricultural development, innovation, and investment in Nigeria.
The National Agricultural Seed Council remains committed to fostering partnerships that strengthen the seed sector and contribute to national food security and agricultural transformation.