The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in partnership with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with other stakeholders like the Committee of Directors of Research Institutes (CODRI) and National Committee of Heads of Colleges of Agriculture and Related Disciplines (NACHCARD) have concerned the pioneer National Stakeholders Forum on Agricultural Research Capabilities, to reflect, celebrate, and envision the future of agricultural research in Nigeria.

The convergence of agricultural research experts with the theme “Research Capabilities in Nigeria: The Journey So Far”, took place on Wednesday in Abuja.

In his opening address, the Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, said the forum bears the opportunity to take stock of the inventions while also projecting on heights to be attained.

“It invites us to pause and take stock of where we began, the progress we have made, the challenges we have encountered, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

“Over the years, the Nigerian National Agricultural Research System has built several capabilities, which we are celebrating today. These capabilities include Human Resources, technological innovations, infrastructure, collaborative and knowledge dissemination capabilities, among others.

The Executive Secretary acknowledged the contribution of other collaborators in attaining the celebrated achievements.

“These milestones were not achieved in isolation but through strong partnerships among government, national and international research institutions, the private sector, development partners, and farming communities who remain at the center of our efforts. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and our partners, especially the CGIAR family, ECOWAS, AATF, FARA, CORAF, universities, and the private sector, whose investments and commitment have strengthened Nigeria’s research capabilities. We thank you for your enduring support and collaboration.

“I also wish to recognize the sectoral leaders who laid the foundation of agricultural research in Nigeria. In particular, we celebrate the vision of the founding fathers of ARCN.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, while the Nigerian NARS has produced results that continue to benefit stakeholders, there remains room for growth”, he stated.

He stated that the next phase will lay credence to enhancing greater impact while also strengthening its collaboration.

“As we take stock today, learn from past challenges, and envision the future, I am confident that the measures we adopt will generate value, strengthen our capabilities, and align with best practices in agricultural research management.

“In this new phase of ARCN, we are committed to building on the legacies of our predecessors by pursuing initiatives that align with the strategic goals of ARCN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Specifically, we will ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects and the commissioning of new ones.

To this end, we have already commenced engagements with stakeholders to advance the following priorities:
Development of the second-generation strategic and operational plans for the ARCN
Revisiting the development of the Conditions and Schemes of Service for the ARCN, NARIs and FCAs
Revisiting the report of the Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of the ARCN (Amended) Act 2021 to ensure its full implementation.

“Immediate review and update of the Guidelines for Management of NARIs and FCAs (2009).
Distinguished stakeholders, this Forum is both reflective and catalytic. Through its sessions and discussions, we seek to generate insights that will shape a forward-looking agenda for agricultural research in Nigeria, one that is responsive, inclusive, and transformative. Given that capability management is a shared responsibility, it is vital that the decisions and actions from this Forum cascade effectively across the entire agricultural research value chain.

“As we reflect on the journey so far, we must also look ahead with renewed determination. Nigeria’s agriculture stands at a crossroads: challenged by climate change and population growth, yet energized by the promise of science, innovation, and technology to drive food security and transform livelihoods.

“To seize this moment, we must strengthen research governance, invest in human and institutional capacity, and foster collaboration that extends nationally, regionally, and globally”.

The forum is expected to hold on an annual basis to take stock of what has been achieved.