By Gabriel Ameh
…Dr. Dabban: “A Nation That Cannot Feed Itself Cannot Secure Itself”
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has forged a new partnership with the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) to strengthen national food security and promote agricultural innovation across the country.
The collaboration followed a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, to the Defense Headquarters in Abuja on September 30, 2025.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Dabban underscored the critical link between food security and national stability, commending the Armed Forces for their ongoing efforts in protecting farmers and agricultural assets nationwide.
“A nation that cannot feed itself cannot fully secure itself,” he stated. “Our farmers continue to face enormous challenges, particularly threats to their safety. However, the military’s presence and activities have brought much-needed relief to farmers and institutions working to feed the nation. For this, we thank you for your service.”
Dr. Dabban identified potential areas of collaboration between ARCN and the Defense Headquarters, including food and agricultural defense, technology and dual-use research, engineering and manufacturing support, and human capital development.
He noted that these initiatives would help enhance farmer confidence, ensure uninterrupted production, increase food output, and bolster national stability.
Responding on behalf of the Chief of Defense Staff, the Chairman of Defense Farms, Major General I.M. Abdullahi, commended Dr. Dabban and the ARCN delegation for their commitment to national development, assuring them of the military’s continued partnership in advancing food security.
He noted that the Armed Forces have long been engaged in agricultural activities, citing the Nigerian Army’s ranching projects established in 2017 and the Defence Food and Livestock Project launched in 2024.
Major General Abdullahi also highlighted the military’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, which has led to the cultivation of over 1,000 hectares of farmland to boost food sustainability.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria take food security very seriously. Beyond providing protection for farmers, we are also investing in agricultural projects to sustain the national grain reserve,” he said. “We will continue to partner with ARCN to promote the adoption of improved crop varieties and technologies that benefit the Nigerian people.”
The new partnership between ARCN and the Defense Headquarters is expected to deliver measurable gains in food production, agricultural resilience, and national security.
By combining scientific research, innovation, and military capacity, both institutions aim to build a sustainable food system capable of withstanding emerging challenges and ensuring long-term national stability.
The visit marks a renewed commitment to inter-agency collaboration in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges food security with ARCN poised to make significant strides through strategic partnerships and military support.
