In a landmark move to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural sector and stimulate private sector-led growth, Premier Seeds Nigeria Limited has launched its first ultra-modern seed processing plant in Gombe State. This milestone was made possible through a strategic partnership with Propcom+, a UK Government-funded programme dedicated to fostering inclusive, climate-resilient economic development.
Located in the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area, the new facility, which was commissioned by the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, in the presence of other dignitaries including former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, is designed to process certified, climate-smart seed varieties tailored to the needs of Nigerian farmers. These include drought-resistant, flood-tolerant, and nutrient-rich crops such as Pro-Vitamin A Maize and Iron Pearl Millet, which are critical for improving food security and nutrition.
The initiative is a direct outcome of Premier Seeds’ successful application to the Climate-Smart Agriculture Catalysing Grant Facility (CSA-CGF), launched by Propcom+ in May 2024. This competitive funding mechanism is part of the UK Government’s broader commitment to catalysing private sector innovation in delivering sustainable agricultural solutions and boosting economic growth.
“This facility is not merely an infrastructure investment; it is a deliberate response to the pressing challenges of seed availability, affordability, and quality in Northeastern Nigeria,” said Dr. Adiya Ode, Country Representative for Propcom+. “It not only enhances Premier Seeds’ processing capacity but also ensures that climate-adapted seeds are more accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers.”
The facility increases Premier Seeds’ processing capacity from 20 to 35 metric tons per hour and significantly reduces logistical costs by decentralising operations from its original base in Zaria, Northwestern Kaduna State, Nigeria. This translates into lower seed prices and improved access for farmers across the six Northeastern states.
In addition to infrastructure development, Premier Seeds is expanding its outgrower scheme to engage 2,000 smallholder farmers in seed multiplication while building their resilience to climate shocks. The company will also leverage a network of Rural Seed Promoters (RSPs) and agro-dealers to ensure last-mile delivery of certified seeds.
“This new facility is a game-changer, not just for our company but for thousands of farmers who now have better access to high-quality, affordable seeds,” said Dr. Ibitoye Oyewale, Managing Director of Premier Seeds.
The Governor, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, said the plant is crucial to Gombe’s agrarian economy, and the former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, stressed the significant role of quality seeds in boosting agricultural productivity.
This launch comes at a time when Nigeria’s agricultural sector is showing signs of modest but meaningful growth. In 2024, the sector recorded an annual growth rate of 1.19%, up from 1.13% in 2023 (MSME Africa, 2025). According to the MSME Africa report, crop production remains the dominant force, accounting for over 90% of the sector’s value. Agricultural exports are also rising, a recent Channels TV report states, with Nairametrics (2025) estimating a rise in the total value of the sector to ₦4.44 trillion in 2024, up from ₦1.24 trillion in 2023.
These figures underscore the critical role of targeted investments and international partnerships in unlocking the sector’s potential. The UK Government’s Propcom+ programme exemplifies this approach, driving innovation and resilience in Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.
As Nigeria continues to confront the challenges of climate change and food insecurity, this partnership exemplifies how international cooperation and strategic investment can drive sustainable development and inclusive economic growth.
