The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban has emphasized that Nigeria’s agricultural future depends on innovation, research-driven solutions, and climate-smart practices.

The ARCN Boss stated this at the National Summit on Agro-ecology as Public Private Partnership (PPP) kicked off Monday, Dec. 1, 2025 in Lagos State.

The two-day event, organized by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, brought together stakeholders to discuss agroecology, climate justice, and sustainable food systems.

Dr. Dabban at the event highlights ARCN’s commitment to transformative agricultural research, supporting farmer-centred innovations, and strengthening partnerships.

He also reminded stakeholders of the immense comparative advantage of fertile land, favorable agro ecological conditions, a growing industrial base and a resilient farming population Nigeria has, hence the critical need to harness these strengths through innovation, investment and partnership.

He added that the summit aims to validate the National Strategy on Agroecology, focusing on sustainable natural resource management, transition pathways for farmers, and market systems strengthening.

He said, ” The ARCN is particularly encouraged by the collaborative spirit of ActionAid Nigeria and the Federal ministry of Agriculture and Food Security that brings us together for this summit.”

“The ARCN coordinates, Supervise and regulates 16 Agricultural Research institutes and 17 Federal colleges of Agriculture Across the Country. These institutions have mandates to conduct research into various Agricultural commodities in crop, livestock and Fisheries while the colleges train middle level manpower in all aspects of Agriculture”

“This summit therefore provides an invaluable platform for discussions and sharing of experiences which will inspire new ideas and collaborations that will drive positive change in our agricultural practices and contribute to more food-secure future for all,” he said.

He pledged that the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria remains committed to offering robust scientific support, coordinating national research programs, and fostering partnerships that will drive transformation across the entire agricultural value chain.

“We stand ready to collaborate with all stakeholders represented here today. I am confident that the outcomes of this summit will set a new direction for sustainable growth and prosperity for agroecology, public private partnership and the Nigerian economy at large.”

Stakeholders urged Nigeria to adopt climate-smart, inclusive, and research-backed agricultural practices to address climate change challenges.