Niger State Government to Strengthen Partnership with National Biosafety Management Agency to Boost Seed Production
Niger State Governor and farmer, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the National Biosafety Management Agency to increase seed production and improve agriculture in the state.
The farmer-governor made this known during his visit to the Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency, Bello Bawa Bwari, at the Agency’s headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
Acknowledging the state’s significant potential in agriculture, Farmer Umaru Bago stated that the partnership with the Biosafety Agency aligns with a pilot scheme aimed at cultivating over 60,000 hectares of land for seed production, cotton, and maize, as well as an additional 40,000 hectares for rice and sugarcane.
He expressed optimism that by the end of 2027, the state would be able to produce 100,000 hectares of various crops, which could transform Nigeria’s food production landscape.
The governor also disclosed that the state has heavily invested in mechanization and partnered with international organizations to boost seed production.
While recognizing the significant progress made by the DG of the Biosafety Agency so far, the farmer-governor praised the agency’s leadership in improving seed varieties for both production and consumption in Nigeria, and for its diligent work ensuring that introduced GMOs do not harm humanity.
He further assured the agency of continued collaboration, especially as it seeks to work with the government on extension and consultancy services.
The Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency, Barr. Bello Bawa Bwari, stated that the agency under his leadership has taken the lead in promoting the national program on accelerated food security, sovereignty, and sustainable production, which aligns with the agricultural revolution the governor envisions for the state.
He explained that part of the agency’s activities includes providing platforms for seed multiplication of GMOs.
Barr. Bawa Bwari revealed that Niger Foods and one of the GMO license holders will soon commence seed multiplication for TELA maize, with cotton production following in the near future.
Thanking the governor for the visit, Barr. Bawa Bwari commended him for ongoing infrastructure development across the state.
Hauwa Tahir, Director of Enforcement and Operations at the National Biosafety Management Agency, expressed appreciation for the support and leadership of the governor, particularly for facilitating Bello Bawa Bwari’s appointment as Director-General, which has strengthened the agency’s direction.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award of recognition as Nigeria’s biosafety ambassador to the governor by Barr. Bello Bawa Bwari.
