Abuja: The federal government has called for stronger partnerships among African countries to transform the continent’s agrifood system, accelerate development, and achieve sustainable food security. Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, made the call on Thursday at the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week (AASW9) and 10th General Assembly of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdullahi urged African governments, research institutions, development partners, and the private sector to translate commitments into concrete actions. He emphasized that science-driven partnerships are essential for achieving food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural development across the continent. Abdullahi noted that the assembly reflected Africa’s collective resolve to harness science, innovation, and collaboration to transform its agrifood systems.
He encouraged participants to maintain the momentum generated by translating the assembly’s resolutions into strategic partnerships and measurable impact. “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 stated.
The minister commended FARA for connecting regional research organizations, National Agricultural Research Systems, universities, farmer organizations, development partners, and the private sector into a continental innovation ecosystem. He acknowledged that this collaboration has strengthened regional cooperation and ensured that agricultural research delivers practical benefits to farmers and agribusinesses.
Abdullahi also praised FARA’s governance culture, noting that the peaceful transition to a new Board of Directors reflects the institution’s maturity, transparency, and accountability. He congratulated the newly elected chairperson and board members, urging them to consolidate existing gains by strengthening strategic partnerships and advancing FARA’s leadership in agricultural research and innovation.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting FARA’s vision and mandate. He expressed confidence that the assembly’s resolutions would accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Kampala Declaration and Agenda 2063 toward building a food-secure, resilient, and prosperous Africa.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Mark Bagabe, the newly elected Chairperson of FARA’s Board, thanked delegates for the confidence reposed in him to lead the organization over the next three years. Bagabe pledged to strengthen agricultural research and innovation, deepen strategic partnerships, mobilize resources and investments, and advance food security across Africa. He emphasized that his administration would focus on building resilient food systems, empowering women and young people, improving livelihoods, and strengthening climate resilience in line with the aspirations of the CAADP Kampala Declaration. Bagabe added that continuous improvement, excellence, and measurable results would define his leadership as he worked to position FARA as a stronger catalyst for agricultural transformation across the continent.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event featured the unveiling of FARA’s new Board of Directors.