Abuja | February 16, 2026
By Gabriel Ameh
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has pledged full support for the upcoming conference of the Plant Breeders Association of Nigeria (PBAN), in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food sustainability drive.
The commitment was made during a meeting between ARCN management and a PBAN delegation at the council’s headquarters in Abuja.
The Executive Secretary of ARCN emphasized the strategic importance of plant breeding in advancing agricultural productivity and national food security. He called for the integration of plant breeding into the curricula of agricultural colleges, polytechnics, and research institutes nationwide.
“Teaching plant breeding at the tertiary level will ensure the discipline thrives and produces professionals capable of driving the nation’s food agenda,” he said, stressing the need to attract young Nigerians into the field.
Preventing Decline in a Critical Discipline
Dr. Oluwafemi Salako, Director of Plant Resources at ARCN, underscored the urgency of revitalising plant breeding to prevent a decline in technical capacity within the sector.
“The council welcomes this initiative and is ready to provide full support,” he stated.
Dr. Nuhu Yusuf, Director of Knowledge Management and Communications, highlighted the importance of documentation and knowledge dissemination.
He encouraged plant breeders to contribute to the council’s journal review platform to ensure research findings are properly shared and preserved.
Deputy Director of Plant Resources, Hajara Buba, described plant breeders as central to achieving national food security goals, noting that challenges such as capacity building and professional training must be addressed systematically.
Collaboration and Institutional Development
The PBAN delegation expressed optimism that a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ARCN would accelerate training opportunities for students and staff across institutions under the council’s supervision.
The association also reiterated its proposal for the establishment of a dedicated plant breeding institution in Nigeria and pledged continued collaboration with ARCN.
With the council’s approval to support the conference, stakeholders say the event is expected to provide a platform for training, research collaboration, and renewed focus on plant breeding as a cornerstone of agricultural development.
As Nigeria continues to pursue food security under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agricultural agenda, experts note that strengthening research, innovation, and human capital in plant breeding could play a critical role in boosting crop yields, resilience, and long-term sustainability.
