The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to intensify efforts towards the conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources, citing their critical role in agriculture, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience.
The declaration was made by Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, during a one-day national advocacy workshop themed “Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Use in Nigeria”. The event, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders across the agricultural, scientific, and policy sectors.
Speaking at the forum, Ogunbiyi underscored the strategic importance of Nigeria’s diverse plant genetic materials—seeds, landraces, wild relatives, and improved crop varieties—as the foundation of food security and rural livelihoods.
Op “Biodiversity and plant genetic resources are vital to our agricultural legacy and future. They form the backbone of food systems and are central to improving crop production, ensuring national food security, and enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change,” he emphasized.
Nigeria’s rich agro-ecological landscape is home to a vast array of crops, including staples like yam, cassava, maize, millet, rice, and sorghum—many of which have evolved through centuries of indigenous knowledge and natural adaptation. However, Ogunbiyi warned that this invaluable diversity is under threat from multiple fronts.
“We are experiencing significant loss in genetic diversity due to climate change, habitat destruction, and the erosion of traditional farming practices. These trends jeopardize our ability to feed the growing population and adapt to future agricultural challenges,” he said.
Ogunbiyi identified two major barriers to successful genetic conservation in Nigeria: inadequate infrastructure and poor awareness about the value of plant genetic resources. According to him, without dedicated conservation strategies, the nation risks losing varieties that could hold the key to future food systems.
To address these challenges, the Ministry is committed to upgrading existing conservation facilities, improving seed storage and documentation, and expanding regional field collections across Nigeria’s ecological zones. He also highlighted the role of the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) as Nigeria’s national genebank and hub for research and conservation.
“NACGRAB plays a pivotal role in storing and distributing plant genetic materials for scientific research, breeding, and policy planning. Strengthening this institution is at the heart of our agenda,” Ogunbiyi noted.
In alignment with global conservation protocols, Nigeria continues to engage with international partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, and the African Union.
Ogunbiyi assured participants that all national efforts are tailored to reflect international best practices on plant genetic resource conservation, while also serving the country’s long-term development goals.
“Our participation in global frameworks ensures that Nigeria is not left behind in the global drive to secure the future of agriculture and food systems,” he said.
Beyond environmental and food security concerns, the Permanent Secretary emphasized the economic potential of conserving genetic resources. By preserving native varieties and landraces, Nigeria can boost agricultural productivity, enhance crop resilience, and create value-added opportunities in the agro-economy.
“New crop varieties developed through genetic resource conservation can contribute to rural development, increase yields, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global agricultural markets,” Ogunbiyi added.
Ogunbiyi called on farmers, researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to work collectively towards safeguarding Nigeria’s plant genetic wealth. He urged institutions to integrate conservation principles into agricultural practices and education.
“The future of Nigerian agriculture depends on the genetic resources we preserve today. It is not just a scientific or governmental responsibility—it is a collective duty.”
As Nigeria battles the twin pressures of climate change and food insecurity, the Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on genetic resource conservation signals a critical step forward in ensuring sustainable agriculture, national resilience, and environmental sustainability.