The Federal Government has taken a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s livestock feed systems and agricultural resilience with the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) and the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) on forage seed system development.
The agreement establishes a strategic framework for collaboration in forage seed research, seed certification, commercialisation, quality assurance, and sustainable livestock feed development, reinforcing the government’s broader commitment to food security, livestock productivity, and agricultural transformation.
The signing ceremony, which held on Tuesday 5th May 2026, in Abuja, brought together senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, research institutions, and the seed regulatory sector, including the Director General of NASC, Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed; the Senior Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Livestock Development, Prof. E.A. Iyayi; and the Executive Director of NAPRI, Prof. M.R. Hassan.
Speaking at the event, stakeholders described the partnership as a strategic intervention aimed at addressing persistent challenges associated with forage availability, low pasture productivity, and livestock nutrition in Nigeria.
Under the agreement, NAPRI will spearhead research and genetic improvement efforts for forage varieties suited to Nigeria’s agro-ecological conditions, while NASC will provide regulatory oversight through seed certification, testing, standards development, and compliance monitoring.
The collaboration will also integrate forage seed systems into NASC’s digital platforms to strengthen traceability, e-certification, and seed data management, while supporting technical training, extension services, and capacity building for seed producers and researchers nationwide.
The partnership is expected to strengthen forage seed availability, improve livestock feed systems, enhance animal productivity, and support Nigeria’s long-term food security and economic growth objectives.
