The Federal Government has strengthened efforts to improve livestock feed systems and agricultural resilience with the 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, signed on May 5, 2026, in Abuja, establishes a coordinated framework for collaboration in forage seed research, certification, commercialisation, quality assurance, and sustainable livestock feed development. It is designed to support national goals on food security, livestock productivity, and agricultural transformation.
The signing ceremony brought together senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, research institutions, and seed regulatory agencies. Among those present were the Director General of NASC, Hon. Fatuhu Muhammed; Senior Adviser to the Minister of Livestock Development, Prof. E.A. Iyayi; and the Executive Director of NAPRI, Prof. M.R. Hassan.
Stakeholders at the event described the partnership as a targeted intervention to address longstanding challenges in forage availability, pasture productivity, and livestock nutrition across the country.
Under the arrangement, NAPRI will lead research and genetic improvement of forage varieties adapted to Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones, while NASC will provide regulatory oversight through seed certification, testing, standards development, and compliance monitoring.
The MoU also provides for the integration of forage seed systems into NASC’s digital platforms to improve traceability, electronic certification, and seed data management. It further includes provisions for technical training, extension support, and capacity building for seed producers and researchers nationwide.
Officials noted that the collaboration is expected to expand access to quality forage seeds, strengthen livestock feed systems, improve animal productivity, and contribute to broader food security and economic growth objectives.
According to Henrietta Okokon, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, the agreement reflects the government’s commitment to building a more resilient livestock sector through institutional collaboration and improved seed system governance.
The Federal Government, through the partnership, is expected to deepen coordination between research and regulatory institutions as part of ongoing reforms in the livestock and agricultural value chains.
