Nigeria’s Agricultural Future at Risk Without Climate-Smart Innovation – ARCN

By Oluwakemi Kindness

Nigeria’s agriculture sector faces a critical turning point, with experts warning that the country’s food security is under threat unless it embraces research-driven, climate-smart farming practices.

Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), sounded the alarm at the opening of the National Summit on Agroecology and Public–Private Partnership (PPP) in Lagos.

The two-day summit, organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, brought together farmers, researchers, and policymakers to discuss sustainable food systems, climate justice, and agroecology.

“The ARCN is committed to advancing transformative research and farmer-focused innovations that can address Nigeria’s food security challenges,” Dr. Dabban said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s fertile land, favourable agroecological conditions, growing industrial capacity, and resilient farming population as assets that must be fully leveraged through coordinated innovation and investment.

Dr. Dabban stressed that the summit serves as a platform to validate the National Strategy on Agroecology, with a focus on sustainable resource management, transition pathways for farmers, and stronger market systems.

“This summit provides an invaluable opportunity for discussion and experience-sharing, which will inspire new collaborations and innovative solutions,” he said.

ARCN oversees 16 agricultural research institutes and 17 federal colleges of agriculture, which conduct research in crops, livestock, and fisheries, while training middle-level manpower for the sector.

Dr. Dabban emphasised that these institutions must guide Nigeria toward research-backed, climate-responsive agriculture.

Stakeholders at the summit emphasised the urgency of adopting inclusive, science-driven agricultural practices to mitigate the impact of climate change and ensure long-term food security.

“The outcomes of this summit will set a new direction for sustainable growth, agroecology, and public–private partnerships, ultimately strengthening the Nigerian economy,” Dr. Dabban added.

He reaffirmed ARCN’s commitment to collaboration and scientific support.