The National Agricultural Seed Council is seeking for the urgent passage of the country’s plant variety protection law.
The agency made this known at an annual retreat aimed at improving quality of seed production in the country.
Nigeria’s proposed plant variety protection law targets provision of intellectual property rights for plant breeders who develop new and improved seeds.
The bill is already before the national assembly and the nation’s seed regulator is sure it’s eventual passage will be of benefit to seed producers.
The agency is however calling for a quick consideration and passage of the bill.
Agriculture authorities recognise the importance of seeds in agricultural production and food security.
They are now drumming up support for the seed industry from all concerned parties.
Other participants at the retreat emphasized the importance of boosting local content in seed production for agricultural and economic development.
