By Gabriel Ameh
Ilorin, Nigeria — The Federal Government has restated its unwavering commitment to achieving food sustainability and national food security through the strengthening of agricultural research and innovation systems across the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, gave the assurance during a working visit to the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Idofian, and the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Ilorin, both located in Kwara State.
In his remarks, Dr. Dabban commended the management and staff of both institutes for their dedication and resilience despite existing challenges, noting that their work remains vital to advancing the mandates of the ARCN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
According to a press statement signed by Khadijat Ameen, Head of Public Relations, ARCN, Dr. Dabban emphasized that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, particularly under the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s declaration of a state of emergency on food security.
“We must strengthen research, training, and extension systems to fast-track innovation, boost productivity, and help Nigeria achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030,” he stated.
He revealed that the Council is currently engaging with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to ensure that the agricultural research subsector benefits from targeted interventions that will enhance its impact and sustainability.
Dr. Dabban also disclosed that the ARCN has re-initiated the review of the Conditions and Schemes of Service for the National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs) in collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation. The review aims to improve staff welfare, operational efficiency, and institutional performance.
He further highlighted ongoing reform measures which include:
Strengthening the Monitoring and Evaluation system;
Updating management guidelines for NARIs and FCAs; and
Advocating for upgraded laboratories, workshops, and infrastructure across all institutions.
Charging the institutes to redouble their efforts in training, research, and extension services, the ARCN boss urged them to align fully with the Federal Government’s food security objectives.
“Forward new research technologies developed to the Council for system-wide updates. Our collective responsibility is to ensure agriculture drives growth, creates jobs, and guarantees food security for our nation,” he added.
Dr. Dabban also clarified ongoing efforts to produce separate and detailed conditions of service for both Colleges and Research Institutes, assuring staff that the Council’s reform push is ongoing.
In their responses, the Executive Director of NCAM, Dr. Kamal Abdulgafar Rasheed, and the Executive Director of NSPRI, Prof. Lateef Sani, briefed the ARCN delegation on their institutes’ activities and achievements. They also appealed for increased funding, policy support, and greater visibility for their research outputs to further strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
The visit underscores ARCN’s renewed focus on revitalizing agricultural research institutions to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and secure a sustainable food future for Nigeria.
