Institute for Agricultural Research,
Ahmadu Bello University,
P.M.B 1044
Zaria.
PRESS RELEASE
Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru, Successfully Completes ETS Audit and Receives Global Stewardship Group Certification
Zaria, Nigeria – 5th January 2026 – The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Samaru, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed the Excellence Through Stewardship (ETS) audit conducted under the Global Stewardship Group (GSG). Following the successful audit, IAR has been formally awarded the ETS certification, marking a significant milestone in the Institute’s commitment to responsible research, development, and deployment of agricultural innovations.
The ETS certification is an internationally recognized standard that promotes best practices in product stewardship, ensuring that agricultural technologies are developed, tested, and disseminated in ways that safeguard human health, protect the environment, and support sustainable farming systems. Achieving this certification positions IAR among a growing group of institutions globally that adhere to the highest stewardship standards.
Commenting on this achievement, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Stewardship Group, Mr. Chris Holdgreve, stated:
“The Global Stewardship Group congratulates the
Institute for Agricultural Research on their successful ETS audit completion.
Plant product stewardship is crucial in sub-Saharan Africa because it ensures
agricultural innovations are used responsibly, supporting farmer livelihoods,
environmental protection, and long-term food security. We look forward to
continuing to support their stewardship efforts.”
Speaking on the development, the Executive Director of IAR, Prof. Ado A. Yusuf, described the achievement as a major institutional milestone:
“The successful completion of the ETS audit and the
award of the certification reflect IAR’s unwavering commitment to excellence,
responsibility, and global best practices in agricultural research,” Prof. Yusuf said. “This achievement is a testament to the
dedication and professionalism of our staff and partners, and it reinforces our
mandate as a national research institute to ensure that agricultural
innovations are developed and deployed safely, responsibly, and for the benefit
of farmers and society at large.”
The Management of IAR further commended the collective efforts of staff and partners whose commitment and professionalism made the certification possible. The ETS certification will strengthen IAR’s engagement with national regulators, international research partners, development programs, and the private sector, while enhancing confidence in the Institute’s stewardship systems across Nigeria and the wider West and Central Africa sub-region.
As IAR looks to the future, the Institute remains committed to upholding and continuously improving stewardship standards as part of its broader mission to advance agricultural productivity, sustainability, and food security in Nigeria and beyond.
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