The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has outlined five strategic priorities aimed at building a globally competitive and commercially driven agricultural research system in Nigeria.
Senator Kyari stated this during Nigeria Day at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week, held in Abuja on July 30, 2026.
The Minister identified the five priority areas as scientific excellence, digital transformation, commercialisation, human capital development and stronger partnerships, describing them as critical to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural research landscape.
He said the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recognises agricultural research as a strategic national investment capable of increasing productivity, creating jobs and strengthening food security.
According to Senator Kyari, the Federal Government is implementing measures to reposition the sector through the operationalisation of the National Agricultural Development Fund and ongoing efforts to strengthen the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and the country’s national research institutes with modern laboratories, equipment and digital infrastructure.
The Minister also disclosed that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and data analytics are being integrated into agricultural research, extension services and planning to improve productivity and innovation.
Senator Kyari reaffirmed Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional centre of excellence in agricultural research and called for greater investment by African governments and development partners in scientists, research institutions and locally developed technologies.
He stressed that sustained collaboration and investment in research and innovation would be essential to addressing food security challenges and driving agricultural transformation across the continent.
“The future of African agriculture will be shaped by the quality of our science, the strength of our institutions and our commitment to innovation,” the Minister said.
