The Federal Government has commended the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) for its pivotal role in revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural research system. Nigeria’s government stated this through Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi at the opening of a two-day stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, the Minister praised NADF for conducting a comprehensive Baseline Survey/ Needs Assessment Study of 16 Agricultural Research Institutes and 17 Federal Colleges of Agriculture across the country.
A statement signed by the Communications Lead of the Fund, Nike Babalola, quoted the Minister saying; “Any country that fails to change the narrative in its research system is wasting its time. The Minister emphasized the importance of continuous improvement in the nation’s agricultural research capabilities, noting that the last comprehensive review of Nigeria’s agricultural research system was conducted during the tenure of President Shehu Shagari.” Senator Abdullahi stated.
The Minister also commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the assessment, describing it as a critical step toward achieving world-class standards in agricultural research.
The meeting brought together key players in the agricultural sector, including government officials, researchers, and representatives from agricultural institutions. The validation exercise marked a critical step in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural research system and aligning it with national and global priorities.
The survey, conducted by NADF in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), aimed to identify strengths, gaps, opportunities, and constraints within the country’s agricultural research and training ecosystem. Key findings revealed urgent areas for improvement, including infrastructure, funding, curriculum enhancement, research support, technological integration, and industry linkages.
The Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammed Abu Ibrahim, reiterated the Fund’s mandate to address agricultural finance challenges and enhance Nigeria’s agricultural potential. “No nation has ever achieved greatness without investing in knowledge, discovery, and innovation,” he said.
Ibrahim explained that the baseline survey provided critical insights into the state of Nigeria’s agricultural research and training institutions. “The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) was established to address agricultural finance challenges and enhance the potential of Nigeria’s agriculture and food systems, with the goal of promoting sustainable development and food security,” he stated.
He described the validation exercise as a defining moment for Nigeria’s agricultural sector. “This is not just another meeting; it is an opportunity to lay the foundation for a stronger, more innovative agricultural sector. We believe in the power of research and education to transform our agricultural landscape. This is a call to action to ignite change and create a future where Nigerian agriculture stands tall on the pillars of knowledge, technology, and innovation.”
The Executive Secretary, Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof. Garba Sharubutu, also praised NADF for its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural research system. “Today, we have a father and a mother who have come to deliver us from the shackles of inadequate facilities, infrastructure, and resources,” he said.
Prof. Sharubutu highlighted the unprecedented level of collaboration between NADF and ARCN, crediting the NADF Executive Secretary, Muhammed Abu Ibrahim, for his proactive approach.
