Àttah Willies, Gombe
Premier Seed Nigeria Limited has launched an ultra modern processing factory in Gombe State for the production of a variety of improved seeds for Nigerian farmers.
The factory, which is the first of its kind in the North East subregion was commissioned by former President, Olusegun Obasanjo in company of the Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at an elaborate ceremony.
Situated at the famous Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park DadinKowa, the factory is expected to bring succour to farmers in the State and the subregion as a whole.
The plant is also expected to transform seed supply across Nigeria as a whole by enabling farmers to access improved seedlings, achieve higher yields, and build resilience to climate change.
Commissioning the state-of-the-art seed processing factory, Chief Obasanjo, also a renowned farmer, emphasized the central role of seeds in agricultural productivity, noting that “Seed is the most indispensable input in agriculture. If you don’t get the seed component right, the entire value chain becomes shaky,” he stressed.
He commended Governor Yahaya’s determination in establishing the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, which he described as “a noble initiative and a catalyst for sustainable economic development.”
The former President noted that the proximity of the Industrial Park to the 40MW Dadinkowa Hydropower Plant positions Gombe for industrial takeoff. He also commended Premier Seed for equipping the facility with top-tier machinery capable of delivering quality, certified, climate-smart seeds.
In his remarks, Governor Yahaya described the establishment of the factory as a significant milestone in his administration’s efforts to position Gombe State as a leading agro-industrial hub in Nigeria.
According to him, “Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, as the pioneer investor in this Industrial Park, is helping us translate our vision into reality.
“This event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to position Gombe as a leading agro-industrial hub in Nigeria. Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, as the pioneer investor in this Industrial Park, is helping us translate our vision into reality,” the Governor stated.
According to him, “Phase One is already yielding results with companies like Premier Seed leading the way. The Park is fully equipped with roads, water supply, electricity, internet connectivity, and all essential support infrastructure”.
Dr. Adiya Ode, the Country Representative of Propcom+ explained that the factory was developed with support from the UK Government’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through its climate and agriculture programme, Propcom+.
She said Propcom+’s investment in the seed processing facility would help close the gap in the availability of certified seeds across North East Nigeria.
According to her, the plant is designed to strengthen the supply chain for improved, certified climate resilient seed varieties adding that “the facility would enable smallholder farmers to access high-yielding drought and flood-tolerant, disease resistant, and bio-fortified seed at significantly reduced prices.”
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Premier Seed Nigeria Limited, Mr. Ibitoye Oyewale, said the factory is the result of a collaborative effort between Premier Seeds and Propcom+.
He assured that the factory will ensure adequate access to improved seeds to Gombe, Northeast and Nigerian farmers as a whole while reducing their vulnerability.
Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), Hon. Futuhu Mohammed, commended Premier Seeds’ initiative, stating that the Council will continue to ensure that all seeds produced and distributed in Nigeria meet federal quality standards.
The newly established Premier Seed factory is equipped with cutting-edge technology for the cleaning, grading, treating and packaging of certified, high-quality and climate-resilient seed varieties.
