Overview

The National Agricultural Seeds Council Act, 2019 is a Nigerian federal legislation that repeals the previous National Agricultural Seeds Act (Cap. N5, LFN, 2004) and establishes the National Agricultural Seeds Council. The Act aims to promote and stimulate a dependable seed industry, regulate and control the registration of released varieties, protect farmers from poor quality seeds, and facilitate the production and marketing of high-quality seeds in Nigeria. It also seeks to enhance private sector participation and align with global agricultural seed policies and export trade promotion. The Act is structured into several parts. Part I establishes the National Agricultural Seeds Council and its Governing Board. Part II outlines the functions of the Council, which include seed regulation, certification, and quality control. The Council is empowered to register seed varieties, maintain a national seed catalogue, and coordinate with the West African Catalogue of Plant Species and Varieties. Part III covers the appointment of a Director-General and other staff. Part IV provides for the appointment of seed inspectors responsible for enforcement. Part V details seed registration and release procedures, including a subcommittee for seed registration. It distinguishes between varieties for domestic market release and those for export. Part VI focuses on seed certification and official control, establishing quality control services, seed certification standards, and categories (e.g., pre-basic, basic, certified, and informal seeds). It requires seed operators to register and obtain licenses. Part VII addresses seed production and processing, including conditions for production, multiplication contracts, inspections, sampling, laboratory analyses, packaging, labelling, and post-certification control of seed storage. Import and export of seeds are regulated. Part VIII provides support for plant variety development and plant breeders’ rights, including temporary measures to protect farmers' rights. Part IX defines infringements and offences, with penalties for violations, and allows for appeals. Part X establishes the financial fund of the Council. Part XI provides for the establishment of departments and zonal offices. Part XII grants the power to prosecute. Part XIII includes miscellaneous provisions such as the power to make regulations, the repeal of the 2004 Act, savings and transitional arrangements, interpretation of terms, and citation. Key entities include the National Agricultural Seeds Council, the Governing Board, the Director-General, Seed Inspectors, and the Fund of the Council. The document type is a legal act (policy). It is dated 2019 and applies to Nigeria. The language is English.

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