In a bold move to ensure food security in Nigeria, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, is leading the maiden legislative summit on agriculture for formers and agricultural research institutions and colleges in the southwest.
Senator Alli lamented the widening disconnect between local farmers and agricultural research institutes in Nigeria, saying many farmers remained unaware of modern innovations and improved seedlings developed by researchers.
Speaking at a media parley at the Dapo Aderogba Hall of the press cebtre of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Iyaganku, Ibadan, ahead of the maiden National Legislative Summit on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions scheduled to begin on Tuesday at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan the lawmaker, cited improved cocoa varieties capable of fruiting within 18 months as against the traditional seven years, alongside newly developed cassava species, as examples of innovations yet to reach many local farmers.
According to him, the summit is aimed at bringing together agricultural research institutes, colleges, development partners, embassies and policymakers to deliberate on food security, agricultural legislation, research collaboration and youth empowerment.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Professor Mohammed Lawal Atanda, described the summit as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s agricultural research sector.
According to him, the event would strengthen legislative frameworks and provide a roadmap for sustainable development in agricultural research and training institutions.
Atanda noted that Nigerian research institutes possess highly skilled professionals and globally recognised innovations but suffer from inadequate visibility and coordination.
In his contribution, Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr Adedeji Abiodun Rasheed, called for greater private sector involvement in funding research and development.
He argued that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of revitalising research institutions, urging companies and entrepreneurs benefiting from agricultural products to support research efforts.
Rasheed maintained that Nigeria still has the manpower and expertise needed to restore the lost glory of its agricultural institutions.
Similarly, Professor Oluwatosin Gabriel of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training stressed that research remains central to national development and food security.
He commended Senator Alli for initiating the summit and championing legislation aimed at strengthening agricultural research and policy implementation nationwide.
The summit is expected to commence on Tuesday 12th and end on 15th May 2026 featuring the first lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as a special guest with discussions focusing on food production, research commercialisation, youth empowerment, international partnerships and sustainable agricultural development.
