By Nkechi Eze
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Economic and Environmental Resource Centre (EERC) as part of efforts to foster knowledge engagement and management, research priority alignment, and knowledge sharing.
In an official statement signed by the Public Relations Officer to the Executive Secretary, ARCN, Khadijat O. Ameen, the memorandum is expected to further strengthen the Council’s framework for impactful enhancement of research activities and also create opportunities for participation in fellowship programmes.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of ARCN, Adamu Abubakar Dabban, expressed satisfaction over the development, noting that the partnership would strengthen evidence-based policymaking, promote intellectual exchange, and ensure that research outputs are responsive to national development priorities.
“The areas of cooperation outlined in this MoU joint proposal development, policy dialogue and knowledge engagement, research priority alignment, knowledge sharing and publication, as well as participation in EERC’s scholars and fellowship Programme provide a strong framework for impactful engagement. These components will strengthen evidence-based policymaking, promote intellectual exchange, and ensure that research outputs are responsive to national development priorities,” he said.
Dabban added, “It is my pleasure to warmly welcome the Economic and Environmental Resource Centre delegation to Abuja and to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria for this important signing ceremony. It is important to inform you that ARCN has the mandate to manage, supervise and regulate agricultural research, training, and extension activities of 16 National Agricultural Research Institutes and 18 Federal Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria.”
He further stated that the event represents more than the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding, but a strategic alignment between research, policy, and economic sustainability.
“Today’s event represents more than the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding; it signifies a strategic alignment between research, policy, and economic sustainability. At a time when agriculture must respond to environmental pressures, economic realities, and evolving policy landscapes, collaboration between our institutions is both timely and necessary,” he said.
The Executive Secretary expressed the Council’s commitment to ensuring that research institutions operate within clearly defined priorities that address food security, sustainability, and economic competitiveness, adding that the partnership would enhance capacity to generate relevant knowledge and translate research findings into policy-relevant insights.
“In line with the provisions of this MoU, the Council will nominate a small, dedicated team to work closely with the Economic and Environmental Resource Centre on implementation and governance arrangements. This will ensure effective coordination, accountability, and measurable outcomes from our collaboration.
“We look forward to a productive partnership that advances knowledge, strengthens policy dialogue, and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s agricultural and environmental resilience. Once again, I warmly welcome you to ARCN and wish us all a successful engagement. Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Dabban stated.
On her part, the Executive Director of EERC, Adeyanju Oluwatoyin, expressed happiness over the partnership, describing it as a strategic opportunity for both organisations.
“We are happy to have this partnership. We at EERC see it as a strategic opportunity for us to come together to have a research-based policy that would help us in national evaluation. I assure you that our partnership together will make a great difference,” she said.
The signing ceremony was attended by top management staff of ARCN and senior programme advisers of EERC.
