By Our Correspondent
Nigeria’s agricultural sector witnessed a historic milestone recently as Senator Abubakar Kyari, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, and Senator Ali Usabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture, inaugurated cutting-edge facilities at the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) in Abuja. The event, hailed as a landmark in agricultural advancement, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to food security through innovative research and infrastructure development.
The newly commissioned projects—a Veterinary Clinic, a Fish Production Facility, and a Central Store Building—are more than physical structures. They represent a bold vision for modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to secure the nation’s food future.
Research: The Bedrock of Agricultural Progress
In his keynote address, Senator Abubakar Kyari emphasized the pivotal role of research in agricultural transformation. Describing the day’s event as a testament to the government’s dedication, he said, “Today’s commissioning is not just about infrastructure; it’s about our shared vision for a resilient and vibrant agricultural sector capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.”
The newly established Veterinary Clinic is set to enhance livestock health through advanced disease surveillance and control systems, critical to sustaining Nigeria’s agricultural economy. Livestock farming contributes significantly to the nation’s food supply and income generation, and the clinic is expected to play a crucial role in managing zoonotic and transboundary diseases, aligning Nigeria with international health standards.
Aquaculture: Empowering the Next Generation
The Fish Production Facility marks a significant leap forward in aquaculture research and youth empowerment. Equipped with recirculatory water systems, biofiltration units, and modern fish processing technologies, the facility is a hub for innovation in fish farming. Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, Executive Secretary of ARCN, revealed that over 150 youths have already been trained through partnerships with ECOWAS and CORAF, and the new facility promises to double that impact.
“This facility goes beyond production; it serves as a training ground for the next generation of farmers,” Prof. Sharubutu noted. With its potential to drive large-scale fish farming, the center supports the government’s vision of food security while providing employment opportunities for Nigeria’s burgeoning youth population.
Streamlining Operations with a Central Store
The Central Store Building, designed for secure storage and efficient management of essential research materials, complements ARCN’s research infrastructure. By ensuring operational efficiency, it provides a solid foundation for the Council’s daily activities, enhancing its ability to deliver on its mandate of agricultural innovation.
A Legacy of Excellence
Senator Ali Usabi Abdullahi’s reflections added a personal touch to the event. Recalling the foundational contributions of Dr. Bukar Shaib, widely regarded as the father of veterinary medicine in Nigeria, he highlighted ARCN’s evolution since its establishment under the 1999 Act. “For me, coming here is nostalgic,” Abdullahi shared, applauding ARCN’s strides in agricultural research and development.
He urged ARCN staff to remain steadfast in their dedication to the Council’s slogan, “Today’s Research, Tomorrow’s Wealth.” With humor and conviction, he rallied the audience to chant the phrase, reinforcing its significance in achieving the institution’s goals.
Driving the Renewed Hope Agenda
The event also saw the launch of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Technology Adoption Program (RHATAP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at bridging the gap between research and practical farming. RHATAP, a key outcome of the 40th National Council on Agriculture and Food Security meeting held in Calabar, is designed to equip farmers with modern technologies for increased productivity and sustainability.
“RHATAP will revolutionize how farmers interact with modern technologies,” Kyari declared. He further announced plans to enhance the dissemination of agricultural best practices through ARCN’s radio and television platforms, ensuring research findings reach farmers nationwide.
Building Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Senator Kyari emphasized the importance of synergy among Nigeria’s agricultural stakeholders. Highlighting the strategic alignment of the commissioned projects with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he stressed collaboration between the newly established Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and ARCN.
“Climate adaptation and smart agricultural practices must be prioritized,” Kyari said, pledging to increase the availability of viable seeds and expand enrollment in agricultural colleges to train extension agents. These agents will guide farmers on adopting best practices, ensuring the sector’s long-term resilience.
A Vision Realized
As the ribbons were cut to inaugurate the new facilities, the atmosphere was charged with optimism. The ceremony was not just a celebration of infrastructural achievements but also a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to agricultural research and innovation.
Prof. Sharubutu encapsulated the day’s significance: “These are more than just buildings; they represent our dedication to research-driven agricultural transformation and the empowerment of our farmers.”
The Road Ahead
With the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, ARCN, and stakeholders working in unison, Nigeria’s agricultural sector is poised for unprecedented growth. The commissioning of these facilities marks a new chapter in the nation’s journey toward sustainable agricultural development, offering a glimpse of a future where research, innovation, and collaboration fuel the transformation of Nigeria’s food systems.
This milestone sets the stage for a resilient agricultural sector, capable of feeding the nation and empowering its people for generations to come.
