The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) said Nigeria’s agricultural future hinged on innovation, climate-smart practices, and research-driven solutions capable of strengthening food security amid rising climate threats.
Delivering his remarks at the opening of the National Summit on Agroecology and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on Monday, December 1, 2025, in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, said the country must urgently embrace sustainable and climate-resilient farming systems.
The two-day summit, organised by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, brought together policymakers, researchers, development partners, farmers’ groups, civil society, and private sector actors to deliberate on agroecology, climate justice, sustainable food systems and market resilience.
Dr. Dabban highlighted ARCN’s commitment to transformative agricultural research, farmer-centered innovations, and strengthened institutional collaboration. According to him, Nigeria possesses immense comparative advantages fertile land, favourable agroecological zones, an expanding industrial base, and a resilient farming population which must be harnessed deliberately for national growth.
He said the summit would help validate the National Strategy on Agroecology, which proposes sustainable natural resource management, energy-efficient agricultural systems, transition pathways for farmers, and stronger market systems.
“The ARCN is particularly encouraged by the collaborative spirit of ActionAid Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, which has brought us together for this important national summit,” he said.
Dr. Dabban explained that the ARCN supervises 16 Agricultural Research Institutes and 17 Federal Colleges of Agriculture across the country, all strategically mandated to develop innovations in crops, livestock and fisheries, while training middle-level manpower in various agricultural fields.
“This summit provides an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas, comparing experiences, and inspiring new collaborations that will stimulate positive change in our agricultural practices and contribute to a food-secure future for all,” he said.
He reaffirmed that ARCN remained committed to supporting the federal government through robust scientific research, national coordination of innovation systems, and partnerships that strengthen all components of Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.
“We stand ready to work with all stakeholders represented here today. I am confident that the outcomes of this summit will set a new direction for sustainable growth and prosperity in agroecology, public-private partnerships, and Nigeria’s economy as a whole,” he added.
Stakeholders at the summit called on Nigeria to urgently adopt climate-smart, inclusive and research-backed agricultural practices capable of mitigating climate change impacts, improving farmer resilience and ensuring sustainable food systems for future generations.
