By Palma Ileye
Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, ARCN, in collaboration with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, IITA, has organised a One-Day stakeholders’ forum themed; “Research Capabilities in Nigeria: The Journey So Far.”
The event held yesterday at the ARCN office in Abuja aims to highlight progress in Nigeria’s agricultural research sector.
In his opening remark, the Executive Secretary, ARCN, Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, noted that the agricultural research capabilities,forum was a Strategic platform to reflect, celebrate and most importantly envision the future of agriculture research in Nigeria.
Dabban called for urgent investment in agricultural research and innovation to strengthen food security and tackle the twin challenges of climate change and population growth.
He described the event as a “strategic platform” that will henceforth be convened annually to monitor progress in the sector saying that, “The Nigerian agricultural sector stands at a crossroads, challenged by climate change and rapid population growth, yet energized by the promise of science, innovation, and technology to transform livelihoods and secure food systems.”
He highlighted achievements of the National Agricultural Research System, NARS, including technological innovations, human resource development, and stronger collaboration with development partners.
However, he stressed that sustaining and enhancing these gains was vital for greater impact.
The ARCN Executive Secretary outlined key priorities for the council, including the development of a second-generation strategic and operational plan, review of conditions of service across research institutes, and full implementation of the ARCN (Amended) Act 2021.
He also pledged the timely completion of ongoing projects and the initiation of new ones.
“We must strengthen governance, invest in institutional capacity, and foster collaboration across national, regional, and global levels,” the ES stated,urging stakeholders to turn the forum’s deliberations into actionable outcomes.
Declaring the forum open, Dabban urged stakeholders to approach the discussions with candour and commitment, stressing that capability management was a shared responsibility that must cascade across the entire agricultural research value chain.
He concluded, Nigeria’s agriculture holds immense potential, but realizing it requires vision, collaboration, and sustained investment in research and innovation.
Stakeholders at the event as well as Executive Directors, Provost and Directors of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, affirmed that the forum will serve as a platform to address issues affecting them as well as proffering solutions.
They called members of the Unions the NARIs and FCAs to put a strong voice behind this initiative for better goals to be achieved.
In his presentation, Dr. Shuaibu Aliyu Madugu , Director Research Planning Research and Statistics gave an insightful history, evolution, and current state of ARCN, NARIs, and FCAs in Nigeria, providing valuable context and overview.
On his part, Prof Michael Abberton from the National Institute for tropical institutes of agriculture, IITA, made a review of Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, CGIAR’s, successes in research and showcases different initiatives and partnerships.
According to a press release signed by Khadijat Ameen, Head, Public Relations, ARCN, the highpoint of the event was the official welcome and presentation of gifts to the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Dr. Adamu abubakar Dabban by the International Institute For Tropical Agriculture, and Committee of Directors of Research Institute.
The event drew participants from government, academia, civil society, the private sector, and international development organizations.
It provided a platform for dialogue on how to modernize agricultural research management and generate innovative solutions to Nigeria’s food security challenges.
