The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with key agricultural stakeholders, has launched a fresh campaign to eliminate fake and substandard seeds from the country’s markets.
The move follows growing concerns over the proliferation of counterfeit seeds, which experts say have continued to undermine farmers’ productivity, food security, and Nigeria’s agricultural export potential.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, government officials vowed to enforce stricter regulations, including sanctions and prosecution for dealers found guilty of selling adulterated or uncertified seeds. The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) warned that many farmers are unknowingly buying grains sold as seeds, leading to poor yields and economic losses.
The African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) also raised alarm over the infiltration of counterfeit genetically modified (GM) seeds, with reports indicating that farmers are being deceived into paying as much as ₦10,000 per kilogram for fake products.
Beyond seeds, the government pledged to intensify its crackdown on other adulterated agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, stressing that high chemical residues in produce remain a major barrier to Nigeria’s competitiveness in international markets.
Stakeholders called for greater awareness among farmers to help them identify genuine seeds and inputs, while urging stronger monitoring of markets nationwide.
The government assured that the new measures will protect farmers, strengthen food security, and boost Nigeria’s chances in the global agricultural trade.
