ARCN Calls for Tighter Research Governance to Strengthen Agriculture

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has emphasized the urgent need to strengthen research governance in Nigeria.

This is as the Council called for investment in human and institutional capacity, and deepen collaboration across national, regional, and global levels to secure the future of agriculture in the country.

The Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Abubakar Dabban, made the call on Wednesday at the maiden National Stakeholders’ Forum on Agricultural Research Capabilities, held in Abuja.

Dr. Dabban warned that Nigeria’s agriculture is at a critical juncture, grappling with climate change, rapid population growth, and rising food insecurity.

“This forum invites us to pause, take stock of our journey, and envision a research system that is responsive, inclusive, and transformative,” he said. “We must strengthen governance, build capacity, and foster collaboration that extends beyond our borders.”

The ARCN boss also revealed plans to develop a second-generation strategic plan and review the existing management guidelines for the National Agricultural Research System (NARS) to align with global best practices.

In their goodwill messages, leaders of research institutes and colleges of agriculture hailed the initiative as timely, while raising concerns about weak funding and outdated frameworks.

Representatives of the Committee of Directors of Research Institutes, Professor Atanda Lawal; described the forum as a milestone:

“This gathering should not be a one-off. We need to make it an annual event. Without research, there is no food, and without food, there is no security.”

Executive Director of the Rubber Research Institute, Dr. Lelia Ndongo, stressed the need for stronger support for research institutes.

“We have huge mandates, but the funding is simply not there for us to deliver. Staff categories such as agricultural technologists also need proper recognition.”

Provost of a College of Agriculture, Dr. Adekok Raji, highlighted the critical role of colleges in bridging research and the farmer.

“We stand between research and the farmer. Our work is 90 percent practical, yet we lack adequate tools and funding. For us to deliver, the colleges must be strengthened.”

Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Shuaib Madugu, traced the evolution of ARCN and announced that plans are underway to develop a National Research Master Plan aimed at ensuring food sovereignty.

The forum concluded with a unified call for annual stakeholder engagement, improved funding, and stronger partnerships to build a resilient agricultural research system capable of driving food security, economic growth, and sustainable development.