IAR COMMISSIONS NEW VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION SERVICES

IAR COMMISSIONS NEW VEHICLES TO STRENGTHEN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION SERVICES

Others
October 21, 2026

The Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, on Monday, 19 October 2026, commissioned newly acquired vehicles to strengthen agricultural research, community seed production, farmer training and extension services across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

The vehicles were procured and supplied under the project titled “Community Seed Production, Training, and Extension Services on Good Agronomic Practices for Maize, Sorghum, Cowpea, Groundnut, Cotton, and Sunflower Farmers across the Six Geopolitical Zones.”

The commissioning ceremony was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Adamu Ahmed; the Executive Director of IAR, Professor Ado Yusuf; principal officers of the Institute; and other members of staff.

In his remarks, Professor Ado Yusuf expressed appreciation for the support and resources made available to the Institute to facilitate its research and extension activities. He noted that the achievement reflected the strength of the Ahmadu Bello University name and reputation in attracting institutional support and opportunities within the agricultural research community.

The Executive Director emphasised the need to sustain this reputation through accountability, dedication and the responsible utilisation of resources to advance the Institute’s mandate and deliver meaningful benefits to farmers and other stakeholders.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed, congratulated the Executive Director and the entire IAR team on the achievement, describing it as a significant milestone that would improve the Institute’s operational efficiency and strengthen its agricultural research activities.

He highlighted the importance of the vehicles in supporting the agricultural research complex and improving the Institute’s capacity to reach farmers with improved technologies and extension services. He also encouraged the Executive Director and staff to maintain teamwork, commitment and dedication towards achieving the Institute’s objectives and advancing agricultural development.

The newly commissioned vehicles (2 brand new Toyota Hilux 2025 model, 2 Canter trucks and a 13,000 litres water tanker) are expected to improve mobility for field research, facilitate the transportation of water for field activities, and support the implementation of community seed production, farmer training and extension programmes across the country.

Through the project, IAR seeks to promote Good Agronomic Practices, strengthening access to improved seeds, research-based recommendations and practical agricultural knowledge.

The addition of these vehicles represents an important investment in the Institute’s operational capacity, enabling research and extension personnel to undertake field activities more efficiently and extend the benefits of agricultural innovations to farming communities across Nigeria.

Driving Research. Reaching Farmers. Transforming Agriculture.

The commissioning reaffirms the commitment of the Institute for Agricultural Research to strengthening agricultural research, promoting improved agronomic practices and ensuring that research-based technologies reach farmers to enhance productivity, improve livelihoods and contribute to national food security.

Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), ABU Zaria

Driving Agricultural Research, Innovation and Transformation.