The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has initiated a partnership with the Defence Headquarters to bolster the nation’s food security and agricultural innovations. This move followed a courtesy visit by the ARCN Executive Secretary, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, to the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on September 30, 2025.
During the visit, Dr. Dabban emphasized the significance of food security in national stability, commending the military’s role in safeguarding farmers and supporting agricultural initiatives across the country.
He stated, “A nation that cannot feed itself cannot fully secure itself. Our farmers, who are the backbone of food production, continue to face enormous challenges, especially threats to their safety. However, your presence and activities have brought relief to farmers and institutions working with them. For this, we say thank you for your service to the nation.”
The ARCN Executive Secretary highlighted the potential areas of collaboration, including food and agricultural defense, technology and dual-use research, engineering and manufacturing support, and human capital development. These initiatives aimed to enhance farmer confidence, secure uninterrupted production, boost food output, and ultimately reinforce national stability.
Responding on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General I.M. Abdullahi, Chairman of Defence Farms, congratulated Dr. Dabban and the ARCN delegation, assured them of the military’s continued commitment to food security. He noted that the Armed Forces have been involved in agriculture for years, citing the Nigerian Army’s establishment of ranches in 2017 and the Defence Headquarters’ launch of the Defence Food and Livestock Project in 2024.
Major General Abdullahi also highlighted the military’s partnership with the Ministry of Water Resources, which has resulted in the cultivation of over 1,000 hectares of farmland to boost food sustainability. He emphasized the military’s role in providing direct agricultural interventions and securing farming communities, while also working to mitigate farmer-herder conflicts.
Major General Abdullahi stated, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria take food security seriously. Beyond providing security for farmers, we are investing in agricultural projects to sustain the national grain reserve. We will continue to partner with ARCN to ensure the adoption of improved varieties and technologies that will benefit the Nigerian people.”
The partnership between the ARCN and the Defence Headquarters is expected to yield significant benefits, including improved food security, enhanced agricultural productivity, and increased national stability. By leveraging science, research, and military capacity, both parties aim to develop a more resilient food system that can withstand emerging challenges.
The visit mark a renewed commitment to collaborative efforts in enhancing food security and agricultural innovations in Nigeria. With the military’s support, the ARCN is poised to make significant strides in achieving its goals and contributing to the nation’s food security.
