The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has marked the first anniversary of the appointment of its Executive Secretary, Abubakar Adamu Dabban, showcasing a year of strategic reforms, institutional strengthening, international partnerships, and capacity-building programmes aimed at advancing agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria.
Dr. Dabban, who assumed office on June 12, 2025 following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has led an ambitious transformation agenda focused on improving governance, boosting research capacity, enhancing stakeholder collaboration, and strengthening the National Agricultural Research System (NARS).
According to the council, the past year has witnessed significant progress across its network of National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs), reinforcing ARCN’s role as a key institution driving agricultural development in the country.
As part of efforts to improve efficiency and accountability, the council reorganised departmental leadership structures, institutionalised monthly management meetings, and established statutory and ad-hoc committees to strengthen decision-making processes. The administration also initiated a review of the Conditions and Scheme of Service while directing research institutes and colleges to submit regular performance reports to enhance monitoring and evaluation.
In the area of partnerships and resource mobilisation, ARCN secured a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Tertiary Education Trust Fund to support research and development activities within agricultural institutions. The council also obtained commitments from the National Agricultural Development Fund to fund research and extension programmes nationwide.
The council further strengthened collaboration with International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and expanded international engagement through agreements with European agricultural research institutions, including the European Universities Network for Agriculture and related organisations.
A major highlight of the year was the training of 200 youths from across West Africa in modern aquaculture practices. The programme covered fish production, processing, value addition, aquaculture economics, business planning, and innovative technologies such as Black Soldier Fly larvae production.
ARCN also hosted the CORAF Workshop on Foresight Analysis Methods and Tools in Abuja for the first time and organised the RISA-CONESAM Research-to-Commercialisation Workshop aimed at promoting the transition of scientific discoveries into market-driven solutions.
On staff welfare and human resource development, the council coordinated the appointment of acting heads for several research institutes and colleges, resolved labour-related disputes, repaired staff buses, and recovered abandoned official vehicles to improve operational efficiency.
The council equally recorded gains in communication and public engagement by revamping ARCN TV and strengthening its visibility platforms. It also supported the establishment of the Association of Research Institutes and Colleges Public Relations Officers (AARIC-PRO) to promote professionalism and institutional communication.
One of the administration’s most notable achievements was Nigeria’s successful bid to host the 9th African Agricultural Science Week and the 10th Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa General Assembly, a development expected to further position the country as a leading player in agricultural research and innovation across the continent.
Looking ahead, ARCN said it remains committed to deepening reforms, mobilising additional resources, accelerating the commercialisation of research outputs, expanding partnerships, and supporting the Federal Government’s food security agenda.
Stakeholders have described Dr. Dabban’s first year in office as one marked by visionary leadership, strategic reforms, and measurable progress, with the council now better positioned to drive agricultural research, technology development, and sustainable food security in Nigeria and across Africa.
