The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to advancing science, technology, and strategic partnerships as essential drivers of agricultural transformation across Africa. 

Delivering the opening address on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Science and Partnership for Agriculture Conference (SPAC) in Abuja, the Minister urged continental research networks to translate scientific findings into practical solutions for farmers.

The conference forms a core component of the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (9AASW) and the 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA). 

Senator Abdullahi emphasised that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is prioritising institutional convergence among National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), CGIAR centres, universities, and private agribusinesses. 

He noted that while African scientific institutions have generated critical advancements in crop breeding, livestock development, and natural resource management, closer collaboration is needed to align research agendas with the African Union’s CAADP Kampala Declaration targets.

Highlighting the impact of rapid technological shifts, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, genomics, robotics, and big data, the Minister called for a new generation of multidisciplinary scientists capable of delivering climate-smart, commercially viable solutions. 

In her presentation, Dr Irene Annor-Frempong, Director Emeritus of Research and Innovation at FARA, explained that SPAC serves as a collaborative vehicle to bridge the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and smallholder adoption. 

The event culminated in the official unveiling of the book Reimagining Agricultural Research in Africa: Demand, Innovation and Transformation, launched jointly by the Minister of State and key agricultural sector dignitaries.

Source: FMINO