ARCN Holds maiden edition of stakeholders forum on Agricultural Research Capabilities

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria ARCN has disclosed its commitment to build on the legacies of past predecessors to pursuing initiatives that aligns with the strategic goals of ARCN and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria.

Abubakar Adamu Dabban Executive Secretary of ARCN made this disclosure at the National Stakeholders Forum in Abuja, Wednesday as he stated that ARCN seek to generate insights that will shape a forward-looking agenda for agricultural research in Nigeria, one that is responsive, inclusive, and transformative.

Abubakar Adamu said given that capability management is a shared responsibility, it is vital that the decisions and actions from the Forum will cascade effectively across the entire agricultural research value chain.

Reflecting on the journey so far, he affirmed that ARCN will also look ahead with renewed determination as 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 theme of the Forum was “Research Capabilities in Nigeria: The Journey So Far”, is both timely and instructive. 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. In view of the strategic importance of this Forum to agricultural research for development in Nigeria, I am proposing that this Forum be convened on an Annual basis.

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

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.

while the Nigerian NARS has produced results that continue to benefit stakeholders, there remains room for growth. Sustaining and enhancing these capabilities, while developing new ones, is essential for delivering even greater impact.

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.

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).

On this note, I thank IITA, CODRI, and NACHCARD for partnering with us to make this Forum possible.

“we have come a long way, but the road ahead calls for even greater vision and collaboration. Let us rise to that challenge.

It is my honour to declare the Maiden Edition of the National Agricultural Research Forum open.

National Stakeholders Forum on Agricultural Research Capabilities, jointly convened by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and our esteemed partner, the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA). I also recognize the contributions of the Committee of Directors of Research Institutes (CODRI) and National Committee of Heads of Colleges of Agriculture and Related Disciplines (NACHCARD) to the successful hosting of this event.