The Germplasm Health Unit (GHU) team of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, paid a working visit to the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) on Monday, 20 July 2026.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to support and strengthen the germplasm health capacity of the National Genebank under the Crop Trust’s Seed for Resilience Project. The project, funded by the German Government, supports national genebanks across Africa and seeks to improve the health and quality of the valuable genetic resources conserved within these facilities.
Strengthening Seed Health Management
The visiting team was led by Dr. Lava Kumar and was warmly received by the Director of NACGRAB, Dr. A. U. Okere, alongside the Deputy Director of the Seed Genebank Unit, Dr. Olosunde A. A., and other members of staff of the Unit.
Following the reception, the visiting team held discussions with the NACGRAB management and Seed Genebank team. The discussions centred on key issues relating to genebank health, available facilities and the measures required to maintain the health and quality of germplasm conserved in the National Genebank.
A major focus of the discussions was staff capacity development. The need for relevant training for personnel of the Seed Genebank Unit was highlighted, particularly in the areas of disease prevention, identification and control. Such training will help strengthen the Unit’s ability to manage potential seed health challenges and safeguard the genetic resources under its care.
The teams also discussed some of the challenges associated with seed health management and considered areas where technical support and collaboration could further improve the capacity of the National Genebank.
Facility Tour
As part of the visit, the IITA GHU team toured the National Genebank and other relevant facilities at NACGRAB. The tour provided an opportunity for the visiting team to gain first-hand knowledge of the facilities and operations involved in the conservation and management of germplasm at the Centre.
The visit also created an avenue for both institutions to identify areas of mutual interest and explore opportunities for continued technical collaboration.
Strengthening Collaboration
The visit underscores the importance of collaboration among national and international institutions in safeguarding plant genetic resources and maintaining their health for present and future use.
Through the Seed for Resilience Project, the Crop Trust and IITA continue to support national genebanks across Africa by strengthening their capacity, improving germplasm health management and promoting effective conservation practices.
For NACGRAB, the engagement provides an opportunity to further strengthen the technical capacity of its Seed Genebank Unit and improve the systems used to protect the valuable genetic resources conserved in the National Genebank.
The Centre looks forward to sustained collaboration with IITA, the Crop Trust and other partners towards strengthening Nigeria’s capacity for effective germplasm conservation, seed health management and long-term food and agricultural security.
