Category: Agriculture

The Federal Government has unveiled the Nigeria Cashew Industry Roadmap aimed at transforming the country’s cashew sector through increased local processing, industrialisation, job creation and export expansion. The roadmap was validated on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, where the government reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s cashew industry as a globally competitive, value-added sector. Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Chris Osa Isokpunwu, described the…

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has commenced the process of developing a Sectoral Scheme of Service for institutions under its supervision to strengthen professionalism, improve career progression and enhance service delivery across Nigeria’s agricultural research system. The move was announced during a preliminary meeting between the ARCN and a delegation from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), aimed at initiating discussions on the proposed framework for the Council, National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) and Federal Colleges of Agriculture (FCAs). Speaking at…

The Federal Government has launched the rollout of one million improved hybrid cocoa seedlings as part of efforts to revitalise Nigeria’s cocoa industry, increase farmers’ incomes, boost export earnings and create employment opportunities for young Nigerians. The flag-off ceremony, held on July 1 at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, marked the commencement of a key intervention under the National Cocoa Development Plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator…

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 Federal Government has called for bold investments in artificial intelligence, scientific innovation, and agricultural research as key drivers for transforming agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa and strengthening global food security. The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Abubakar Adamu Dabban, made the call at the 24th Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) System Council Meeting held in Antalya, Türkiye. Dabban noted that Africa holds over 60 per cent of the world’s uncultivated arable land, alongside vast biodiversity and a youthful population, yet continues to face…

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening agricultural development in Nigeria through youth-driven initiatives aimed at boosting agribusiness, job creation, and national food security. The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, made this known on Monday in Abuja during the official launch of the Youth in Agribusiness Land Trust Fund (YiALTF), an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. General Nafiu described the launch of the fund as a strong indication of government’s resolve to empower young Nigerians and deepen their participation in…

The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, has endorsed the newly formed Association of Agricultural Research Institutes and Colleges Public Relations Officers (AARIC-PRO), describing the initiative as a timely step toward strengthening institutional communication and professionalism across the ARCN system. Dr. Dabban gave the endorsement on Monday, April 27, 2026, while receiving the pioneer executive members of the association during a courtesy visit to his office. The visit was aimed at securing institutional backing for the professionalisation and strategic integration of Public…

Preparations for the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW) have intensified, as key stakeholders across Nigeria’s agricultural sector mobilise support ahead of the July 27–30, 2026 event. Delegates from the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) have commenced strategic engagements, taking advocacy for the continental gathering directly to critical government institutions. Leading the delegation on Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Abubakar Adamu Dabban, visited the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, to solicit support and…