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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Reliable data has long been identified as one of the missing links in Nigeria’s quest to transform agriculture into a major economic driver and ultimately boost food security. The new partnership between the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) seeks to bridge that gap by aligning credible agricultural data with financing decisions, a move experts believe could improve productivity, attract investment and support evidence-based policymaking across the sector.
To walk the talk, the two bodies recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja to improve generation, validation, sharing and analysis of agricultural data to support evidence-based financing, policymaking and investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
NADF Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, described reliable data as the foundation of effective agricultural development, saying the partnership would enable the Fund to make better-informed investment decisions and deliver more impactful interventions across the country’s agricultural value chain.
He noted that although NADF was established by an Act of Parliament in 2022, the Fund has continued to build strategic partnerships that will enhance the delivery of its mandate.
According to him, the collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics comes at a critical time as the Fund expands its support for agricultural financing, research, donor coordination and sub-national agricultural development.
“Data is our chief enabler. We want every intervention and every investment we make to be guided by credible evidence. Working with the National Bureau of Statistics will strengthen our ability to design programmes that respond to real needs and deliver measurable results,” Ibrahim said.
In his remarks, the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Adeyemi Adeniran, said the agreement represents a practical commitment by both institutions to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector through better statistics and closer institutional collaboration.
He explained that the partnership would create a common framework for agricultural data exchange, validation and harmonisation, ensuring that policymakers and investors have access to reliable information.
“Agriculture deserves better data, and together we intend to build it. Reliable statistics remain the foundation of good governance, sound planning and effective investment,” Adeniran said.
He added that the partnership would improve monitoring of agricultural programmes, support investment decisions and contribute to national food security by ensuring that critical decisions are driven by evidence rather than assumptions.
The Statistician-General also assured stakeholders that both organisations would maintain the highest standards of data governance and confidentiality throughout the implementation of the agreement. He commended NADF for its growing role in agricultural development and expressed confidence that the partnership would deliver tangible benefits for farmers, policymakers and investors.
In addition, representative of NADF’s Partnership and Investor Relations Department, Nasir Ingawa, described the signing of the MoU as the culmination of a productive relationship between the two organisations.
He said the formal partnership would deepen collaboration and ensure that agricultural interventions are supported by credible and fit-for-purpose data.
Beyond that, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, recommended robust and proactive partnerships among African states to strengthen fast-track development, and achieve food security.
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Abdullahi advised that Africa governments, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to translate commitments into concrete actions.
He urged them to deepen science-driven partnerships capable of delivering food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development across the continent.
He revealed that the four-day gathering had demonstrated the continent’s collective resolve to harness science, innovation and collaboration as the foundation for transforming Africa’s agrifood systems.
In his words, “Abuja has not merely hosted another conference; together, we have written another important chapter in the history of African agricultural transformation.”
He emphasized the need to sustain the momentum generated during the Assembly by translating its outcomes into concrete actions, strategic partnerships and measurable impact across Africa’s agricultural sector.
“The conversations that began here must not end here. The partnerships established in Abuja must mature into collaborative research, stronger institutions, increased investment and measurable impact in the lives of our farmers. Africa cannot afford fragmented efforts. Our future depends on collective action,” he added.
The Minister described FARA as one of Africa’s foremost continental institutions, commending its role in connecting Regional Research Organizations, National Agricultural Research Systems, universities, CGIAR Centres, farmer organizations, the private sector and development partners into a dynamic innovation ecosystem that promotes regional collaboration and ensures that research delivers practical benefits to farmers and agribusinesses.
He applauded participants for the rich scientific exchanges, policy dialogues, technology demonstrations, youth innovation showcases, and strategic engagements that characterized the Assembly.
He noted that these outcomes reaffirm Africa’s vast reservoir of knowledge, innovation, and institutional capacity to drive agricultural transformation.
Sen. Abdullahi appreciated FARA’s strong governance culture, describing the peaceful transition to a new Board of Directors as a reflection of the institution’s maturity, transparency and accountability
He congratulated the newly elected Chairperson and members of the Board, urging them to consolidate existing gains by strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing FARA’s position as Africa’s leading voice for agricultural research and innovation
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting the vision and mandate of FARA. He also expressed confidence that the resolutions of the General Assembly would accelerate the implementation of the CAADP Kampala Declaration and Agenda 2063, while advancing the shared goal of building a food-secure, resilient and prosperous Africa
Newly elected Chairperson of the Board of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Dr. Mark Cyubahiro Bagabe, expressed appreciation to the General Assembly for the confidence reposed in him to serve over the next three years. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to strengthening agricultural research and innovation, deepening strategic partnerships, enhancing food security, and mobilizing resources and investments to advance FARA’s mandate
He stated that his tenure would be driven by a determination to translate FARA’s vision into tangible results by fostering resilient and prosperous food systems, promoting the empowerment of youth and women, improving livelihoods, and strengthening resilience to climate change, in line with the aspirations of the CAADP Kampala Declaration
Dr. Bagabe further emphasized that continuous improvement, excellence and measurable results, would remain the hallmarks of his leadership. He pledged to faithfully deliver on the mandate entrusted to him and position FARA as an even stronger catalyst for agricultural transformation across Africa
