By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Federal Government has officially operationalised the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural research, innovation and commercialisation across the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the development during Nigeria’s Country Session at the 9th Africa Agricultural Science Week (9AASW) in Abuja, describing the fund as a major milestone in agricultural financing.
According to the minister, the NADF provides a sustainable funding mechanism to support agricultural research, technology development, enterprise creation, value-chain modernisation and greater private-sector participation.
He said the initiative reflects the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to place agriculture at the centre of Nigeria’s economic recovery and food security agenda.
Kyari explained that the government is investing in key areas including digital agriculture, mechanisation, climate-smart farming, improved seed systems, value chain-based extension services, livestock development, irrigation, value addition, and the marine and blue economy.
He stressed that Nigeria’s future food security depends not only on expanding farmland but also on expanding knowledge through scientific research and innovation.
“Agricultural research is no longer viewed as a supporting function but as a strategic national investment that drives productivity, resilience, competitiveness and long-term prosperity,” he said.
The minister outlined five strategic priorities for the sector: strengthening scientific excellence; accelerating digital transformation through artificial intelligence, remote sensing, GIS and data analytics; promoting commercialisation and private-sector investment; investing in human capital and youth participation; and deepening partnerships with regional and international organisations.
He disclosed that the government is repositioning the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and the National Agricultural Research Institutes through investments in modern laboratories, digital infrastructure, scientific equipment and improved institutional governance.
Kyari added that Nigeria is targeting emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics, genomics and remote sensing to build a globally competitive, climate-smart and digitally enabled agricultural research system.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional centre of excellence in agricultural research and innovation while calling on African countries to invest more in their scientists and research institutions.
“No nation can transform African agriculture alone. Nigeria remains committed to working with FARA, the African Union, AUDA-NEPAD, CGIAR Centres, Regional Economic Communities and all our partners to build a resilient and competitive African agrifood system,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, described Nigeria Day at the conference as an opportunity to showcase the country’s agricultural progress while strengthening continental collaboration in science, innovation and food systems transformation.
He noted that Nigeria has one of Africa’s largest National Agricultural Research Systems, comprising 16 National Agricultural Research Institutes and 18 Federal Colleges of Agriculture working with universities, development partners, the private sector and farming communities.
Abdullahi said Nigeria’s agricultural progress should contribute to Africa’s broader development by promoting innovation, job creation, environmental sustainability and food security across the continent.
He added that Nigeria Day featured keynote presentations, technology exhibitions, case studies, a Commissioners’ Fireside Chat and the Youth Innovation Challenge, with special emphasis on supporting young innovators developing digital and biotechnology solutions for agriculture.
The event also witnessed the recognition of Prof. Chiedozie Ngozi Egesi as one of the 2026 Top Agri-food Pioneers (TAP) by the World Food Prize Foundation.
Professor Egesi, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Abia State, was honoured for his outstanding contributions to cassava breeding, biotechnology and seed systems, making him one of Africa’s leading agricultural technology innovators.
