FG Moves to End Feed Crisis with Landmark Forage Seed Pact

L-R: Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Prof. Eustace Iyayi; Executive Director/CEO of NASC, Fatuhu Mohammed; Director of Legal Services, NASC; alongside officials of NAPRI and NASC during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NASC and NAPRI on Forage Seed System Development, in Abuja.

"The agreement, sealed between the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) and the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in forage seed research, certification, commercialisation, and quality assurance—key pillars critical to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector."

In a decisive move to tackle Nigeria’s persistent livestock feed challenges, the Federal Government has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen forage seed systems and boost agricultural resilience nationwide.

The agreement, sealed between the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) and the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration in forage seed research, certification, commercialisation, and quality assurance—key pillars critical to transforming Nigeria’s livestock sector.

The MoU, signed on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, in Abuja, signals a renewed push by the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development to address longstanding issues of poor pasture quality, inadequate forage availability, and suboptimal livestock nutrition.

Top government officials and sector stakeholders present at the ceremony described the partnership as a “strategic intervention” designed to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s livestock industry.

Director General of NASC, Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed, alongside the Senior Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Prof. E.A. Iyayi, and the Executive Director of NAPRI, Prof. M.R. Hassan, led deliberations on how the initiative will reshape the country’s feed systems.

According to the framework, NAPRI will drive research and genetic improvement of forage varieties tailored to Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones, while NASC will provide regulatory oversight through seed certification, testing, standards development, and compliance monitoring.

Stakeholders at the event emphasised that the collaboration directly targets “persistent challenges associated with forage availability, low pasture productivity, and livestock nutrition in Nigeria,” noting that without a robust feed system, efforts to grow the livestock sector would remain constrained.

Beyond research and regulation, the partnership introduces a strong digital component. Forage seed systems will be integrated into NASC’s digital platforms to enhance traceability, enable e-certification, and improve seed data management across the value chain.

The agreement also prioritises capacity building, with provisions for technical training, extension services, and support for seed producers and researchers nationwide—steps expected to deepen expertise and expand adoption of improved forage varieties.

Industry observers say the initiative could mark a turning point for Nigeria’s livestock economy, as improved feed systems are directly linked to higher animal productivity, better yields, and increased incomes for farmers.

With the country grappling with rising food demand and pressure on agricultural systems, the FG’s latest move underscores its broader commitment to food security, economic growth, and sustainable agricultural transformation.

If effectively implemented, the NASC–NAPRI collaboration is poised to not only strengthen forage seed availability but also lay the foundation for a more resilient and globally competitive livestock sector.

This was contained in a statement signed by Henrietta Okokon, Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations Department of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and made available to Naij News Alert in Abuja.