Institute for Agricultural Research

Institute for Agricultural Research

Training/Workshop
July 23, 2026

Nigeria has continued to demonstrate leadership in agricultural biotechnology as stakeholders from across Africa gathered for the Second Annual Review and Planning Meeting of the Biotech Maize Seed Systems (BMSS) and Accelerating Bt Maize Adoption (ABMAN), holding from 21st–25th July 2026 at Johnwood Hotel by Bolton, Abuja.

The meeting brought together researchers, policymakers, development partners, and project teams from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Mozambique to review progress made in biotechnology maize development, share experiences, and chart a roadmap for accelerating the adoption of improved maize technologies across Africa in pursuit of food security and agricultural transformation.

Declaring the meeting open, the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Adamu Ahmed, represented by the Director of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Prof. Rabiu Hassan, commended Nigeria for taking the lead in the development and adoption of biotechnology crops. He urged farmers to embrace modern agricultural technologies capable of reducing production costs, easing farm operations, increasing yields, and improving household food security. He also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to research, innovation, and human capacity development as key drivers of sustainable agricultural development.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Prof. Ado Yusuf, emphasized that while TELA maize technology has made significant progress in addressing major production constraints such as fall armyworm, stem borers, and drought, achieving optimum maize productivity requires a holistic approach. He challenged participants to develop practical solutions to emerging challenges, particularly effective weed management and appropriate fertilizer use, stressing the need for stronger interdisciplinary collaboration to maximize the benefits of biotechnology innovations for African farmers.

Earlier, the Director General of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr. Canisius Kanangire, represented by Dr. Roy Mugiira, Senior Manager, Product Development and Commercialization, explained that the meeting was convened to review achievements recorded during the previous year, identify implementation challenges, and develop strategies for the successful implementation of activities in the current year.

The annual review reaffirmed the commitment of partner institutions to strengthening biotechnology seed systems, promoting the responsible deployment of improved maize varieties, and accelerating the adoption of climate-resilient technologies that will contribute to increased productivity, improved farmer livelihoods, and food self-sufficiency across Africa.

Through research, innovation, and strategic partnerships, IAR continues to play a leading role in advancing biotechnology and developing agricultural solutions that improve food security and transform the lives of farmers across Nigeria and Africa.