The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has called for the institutionalization of the National Stakeholders’ Forum on Agricultural Research Capabilities as an annual event to track progress, address challenges, and chart new pathways for the sector.

Dr. Dabban made the call on Tuesday in Abuja at the opening of the forum, jointly convened by the ARCN and the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), with support from the Committee of Directors of Research Institutes (CODRI) and the National Committee of Heads of Colleges of Agriculture and Related Disciplines (NACHCARD).

Speaking on the theme, “Research Capabilities in Nigeria: The Journey So Far,” the ARCN boss described the forum as a strategic platform to reflect on Nigeria’s agricultural research achievements while envisioning future opportunities.

“Over the years, Nigeria’s National Agricultural Research System has built capabilities in human resources, technological innovation, infrastructure, and collaboration,” he said. “These milestones were achieved through strong partnerships with government, international research institutions, the private sector, development partners, and farming communities.”

Dr. Dabban commended the contributions of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the CGIAR family, ECOWAS, AATF, FARA, CORAF, universities, and the private sector for strengthening Nigeria’s research ecosystem.

While highlighting past successes, he stressed the need to sustain and expand existing capabilities. He announced that ARCN is already engaging stakeholders to advance key priorities, including the development of a second-generation strategic plan, review of service conditions for ARCN and its agencies, and the implementation of the ARCN (Amended) Act 2021.

He further noted that Nigeria’s agriculture stands at a crossroads, faced with the twin pressures of climate change and population growth but buoyed by the promise of science, technology, and innovation to drive food security and livelihoods.

“To seize this moment, we must strengthen research governance, invest in capacity, and foster collaboration at national, regional, and global levels,” he added.

The forum brought together stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to deliberate on strategies for advancing Nigeria’s research agenda and positioning the country for global competitiveness.