The Nigerian government has conducted its first comprehensive assessment of the country’s agricultural research system in over 40 years, aiming to revitalize research institutes and colleges of agriculture.
Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, announced this at the validation session of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) Baseline Survey and Needs Assessment.
“The last system-wide evaluation was before President Shehu Shagari’s Green Revolution,” Abdullahi stated. “Since then, no administration has reviewed these institutes—until now.”
The assessment covered 16 agricultural research institutes and 17 colleges of agriculture. NADF’s Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, described their condition as “deplorable,” blaming years of neglect. “There is a lot to be done,” he said.
Findings highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and increased funding. “The newest tools in these institutes were procured decades ago and are now obsolete,” the minister noted.
However, he expressed optimism, citing increased funding under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. While still inadequate, efforts are underway to improve conditions. NADF has also partnered with a renewable power company to ensure a stable electricity supply and is negotiating with an internet provider to enhance connectivity.
Prof. Lateef Sanni, Chairman of the Committee of Directors of Research Institutes, stressed that research is key to achieving food security, agro-industrialization, and poverty alleviation. “Without investment in research, innovation, and development, we cannot expect progress in agriculture,” he said.
Nigeria is also looking at global best practices. “We are studying successful agricultural research models in Brazil and India to adapt them to our needs,” Sanni added.
The renewed focus on research aims to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector, ensuring it can drive economic growth and food security in the years ahead.
