The federal government and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) have urged agricultural research institutions and colleges to shift their focus towards demand-driven research to address the food security challenges.
Both the minister of state for agriculture and food security, Sabi Abdullahi and the executive secretary of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, made the call during the validation exercise on the report of the baseline/needs assessment survey of agricultural research institutions and colleges of agriculture in Abuja yesterday.
The minister particularly emphasised that agricultural research must be practical, innovative, and directly beneficial to farmers and the wider agribusiness sector.
Addressing stakeholders at the event, Abdullahi highlighted the need to reposition the agricultural sector by prioritising research that aligns with real-world agricultural challenges.
If you bring any operation in agriculture that is not knowledge-based, you know you are going nowhere. Agriculture is knowledge-based, and we must begin to give it that focus,“ he said.
The minister lauded Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, the executive secretary of NADF, for pursuing the survey despite challenges.
Ibrahim stressed the critical role of research and innovation in national development, stating that no country has achieved economic progress without investing in knowledge and technology.
The survey, conducted in collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and other key stakeholders, identified critical gaps in Nigeria’s agricultural research and training ecosystem.
According to Ibrahim, key areas requiring urgent intervention include infrastructure, funding, curriculum enhancement, research support, technological integration, and industry linkages.
He said that NADF was established to address agricultural finance challenges and promote food security. The aim is to use these findings to drive strategic interventions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the sector.
“This is more than a validation exercise; it is a call to action to ignite change, push boundaries, and create a future where Nigerian agriculture stands tall on the pillars of knowledge, technology, and innovation.
We extend our gratitude to all stakeholders, experts, and institutions involved. Your dedication is vital in translating these findings into effective policies and programmes that will empower our students, researchers, and agricultural value chains,” Ibrahim said.
The executive secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Prof Garba Sharubutu, has emphasised the progress in the country’s agricultural research sector, citing improved infrastructure, strategic funding, and international recognition.
Sharubutu called for sustained support for NADF and urged stakeholders to allocate resources effectively to enhance agricultural productivity and align with President Tinubu’s vision for the sector.
