IAR, ABU Zaria Hosts

IAR, ABU Zaria Hosts

Training/Workshop
May 11, 2026

The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has successfully commenced its 2026 Annual Research Review and Planning Meeting and Zonal REFILS Workshop, held from 28th–29th April 2026.

This year’s meeting is held under the compelling theme:

“Mainstreaming Climate Change in Agriculture: Strengthening Food Security and Economic Stability under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The event brought together a wide spectrum of stakeholders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, including researchers, extension professionals, policymakers, development partners, and institutional leaders, all committed to strengthening agricultural resilience and national food security.

The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of several distinguished personalities. The Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Prof. Ahmed Adamu, was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Bello Sabo. Also in attendance was the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban, represented by Hajiya Buba Hajara. The traditional institution was equally represented as His Royal Highness, Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, was represented by the Madakin Gonar Zazzau, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim.

The gathering also attracted Directors from sister institutes, including the Division of Agricultural Colleges (DAC), National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), and the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), alongside prominent Directors from Ahmadu Bello University, principal officers, researchers, and invited guests.

In his opening remarks, the Director of IAR, represented by Prof. Nafi’u Abdu, reaffirmed the Institute’s unwavering commitment to developing climate-resilient agricultural technologies capable of addressing emerging challenges in Nigeria’s farming systems. He highlighted that the Institute has consistently released improved crop varieties adapted to diverse agro-ecological zones, many of which are drought tolerant, pest and disease resistant, and capable of increasing yields by up to 100 percent.

He further revealed that the Institute currently manages over 140 ongoing research activities and recently introduced 19 new research projects. These achievements have been complemented by improvements in research infrastructure, staff capacity development, and the integration of solar energy systems to support sustainable research operations.

Declaring the meeting open, the Vice-Chancellor, represented by Prof. Bello Sabo, described the theme of the meeting as highly timely and strategic, especially in the face of the increasing impact of climate change on agricultural productivity. He called on researchers and stakeholders to focus on solution-oriented research capable of ensuring food sufficiency, reducing hunger, and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

He also commended the Institute for sustaining its legacy of research excellence and noted with pride the recent approval of more than 20 new crop varieties developed by IAR, emphasizing that the strong linkage between research, teaching, and farmers remains a critical model for agricultural development in Nigeria.

Goodwill messages were delivered by collaborating institutions and partners, all reaffirming their commitment to supporting agricultural research, innovation, and technology dissemination.

The keynote address, delivered on behalf of the Director General of KASITDA, Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzzakari, by Ahmad Idris, emphasized the urgent need to integrate climate change considerations into agricultural systems in order to enhance resilience, productivity, and sustainability across Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.

The event also featured presentations by Programme Leaders, Heads of Units, and Partner Organizations (ICRISAT, NAPRI and NAERLS), who reviewed research achievements and outlined strategic plans for the upcoming farming season.

The meeting continues tomorrow with the Zonal REFILS Workshop, which is expected to further strengthen the linkage between research, extension services, and farmers, ensuring that innovations developed by research institutions are effectively disseminated and adopted at the grassroots level.

At IAR, we remain committed to advancing research, driving innovation, and developing climate-smart solutions that secure Nigeria’s agricultural future.