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Nigerian Economic Summit Group(NESG),says 52million Nigerians are now hungry on account of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which deny them accessibility to nutritious foods.
The Chief Executive Officer of NESG,Mr. ‘Laoye Jaiyeola,who disclosed this in Lagos during the unveiling of Plant Variety Protection(PVP) Act 2021 and plans for implementation.
He explained that the implementation of Plant Variety Protection Act would help Nigeria to feed her growing population, attract foreign investments into the seed sub-sector as well as enjoy the gains of intra- and inter-border trade opportunities in seed trade and exports.
Commending President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the PVP Bill, he emphasized the need for the implementation of the PVP Act with every sense of urgency by all critical stakeholders.
He said:”As we convene to celebrate this great achievement with the National Agricultural Seeds Council and discuss plans for implementation, we must act with a sense of urgency to strengthen partnerships for resilient seeds regulations through catalytic investments into the Seeds sector, tackle high level insecurity for sustainable and inclusive seeds systems and agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that the implementation of Plant Variety Protection Act will assist to better position Nigeria to feed her growing population and equally attract foreign investments into the Seed sub-sector as well as enjoy the gains of intra- and inter-border trade opportunities in seed trade and exports.
“With increased incomes and profits among small-scale farmers and plant breeders, their businesses are invested back into local economies, where they create jobs and equitable growth. This is crucial for creating opportunities for rural youth and to live and thrive in their various communities,” he said.
Jaiyeola said the agriculture sector in Nigeria needs six times more seeds than it currently utilises to fulfil its yield and production potential.
“As we foster productivity and competitiveness in the agricultural sector through the protection of the intellectual property rights of Nigerian plant breeders, it is our hope that there will be increase in seed production and better access to improved seed varieties by end-users,”he said.
He reiterated the
commitment of NESG to deepen collaboration with Seed sector players in the implementation of the NASC Act, 2019 and the PVP Act, 2021.
Speaking, Dr. Philip Olusegun Ojo, Director General of National Agricultural Seeds Council(NASC), said the passage of PVP bill by the National Assembly and its assent by President Muhammadu Buhari was an important milestone for the seed sector in Nigeria.
He tasked stakeholders to give priority to the implementation of the Act to guarantee transformation in the agricultural sector.
“Nigeria’s agricultural sector transformation is a significant reason why the country should pay attention to plant variety protection (PVP). This would incentivise national and multinational agribusiness investments in the country.
“We will begin to see on our farmer’s field superior yielding, stress tolerant, disease resistant, climate smart and input efficient varieties which will be introduced by innovative breeders both from the public and the private sector in few years to come. In addition to the above, we will begin to witness efficient land use and reduced food cost as a result of the increased productivity from cultivated hectares across the country,” he explained.
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