Nigeria has taken a significant step towards revitalizing its agricultural research system, ending a four-decade gap in evaluating its research institutes and colleges of agriculture. Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi, made this announcement at a technical session in Abuja, marking a major milestone in the country’s agricultural development.
According to Abdullahi, the last system-wide assessment of the National Agricultural Research System was conducted during President Shehu Shagari’s Green Revolution. “Since then, no government has deemed it necessary to evaluate the research institute system until this administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.
The Minister commended the Nigerian Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for spearheading the project, emphasizing the need to upgrade research and training infrastructure. “Agricultural research is the engine of growth of the agricultural sector,” he added.
Prof. Garba Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, described the assessment as a “rebirth of the agricultural research system” in the country. Lateef Sanni, Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, highlighted the initiative’s role in tackling Nigeria’s food security challenges.
The needs assessment revealed an urgent need for increased funding and infrastructure upgrades. Abdullahi noted that while funding has increased under President Tinubu’s administration, the budgetary provision remains inadequate to address the infrastructure deficit.
As part of the reform process, NADF has partnered with a renewable power company to provide constant power to research institutes and is in discussions with an internet service provider to ensure reliable connectivity.