NBS, ARCN Partner to Strengthen Agricultural Data, Drive Evidence-based Development

News in Brief:

—NBS and ARCN will collaborate to improve agricultural research statistics and strengthen data-driven decision-making.

—The partnership aims to enhance research monitoring, attract investment and support sustainable agricultural development.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) have entered into a partnership to strengthen agricultural research data and improve evidence-based planning in the sector.

The collaboration was recently formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations and is expected to enhance the collection, analysis and use of Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) data across Nigeria.

Partnership Targets Better Agricultural Decision-Making

The Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, described the agreement as a strategic step towards improving Nigeria’s agricultural transformation efforts.

He said stronger agricultural data systems would help policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders better understand the impact of investments in agricultural science and technology.

According to him, reliable statistics will support improved planning, resource allocation and evaluation of agricultural research programmes.

The partnership will focus on improving data collection, validation, standardisation, analysis and dissemination within Nigeria’s National Agricultural Research System.

Through the ASTI project, both institutions aim to create a more reliable framework for tracking agricultural research activities and measuring progress.

The initiative is expected to help identify gaps, improve innovation systems and ensure that research investments deliver measurable outcomes.

ARCN Highlights Importance of Data-Driven Agriculture

The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Dr Abubakar Adamu Dabban, commended NBS for piloting the ASTI initiative and described it as a valuable model for improving agricultural research statistics.

He said effective agricultural development depends on accurate data that can guide investment decisions, improve productivity and strengthen food security.

Dabban noted that the collaboration would support better coordination among institutions involved in agricultural research and development.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector has continued to face challenges linked to limited research funding, weak data systems and insufficient access to reliable statistics.

Stakeholders have stressed that stronger research data is essential for developing effective policies, improving innovation and attracting investment into agriculture.

The absence of standardised indicators has previously made it difficult to measure the impact of research initiatives across the sector.

Joint Committee to Drive Implementation

Under the agreement, NBS and ARCN will establish a Joint Technical Working Committee to oversee implementation and ensure continued production of agricultural research statistics.

The partnership will also strengthen institutional capacity, improve data sharing and support wider dissemination of research findings.

Both organisations expressed confidence that the collaboration would contribute to better agricultural policies, increased investment in innovation and long-term improvements in Nigeria’s food production system.