IITA, research institutions key to Nigeria’s agricultural revolution – VP Shettima
By Kunle Sanni
Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector, highlighting the crucial role of research institutions like the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in achieving food security.
Speaking during a visit to IITA in Ibadan on Tuesday, Shettima emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is taking decisive steps to address Nigeria’s food challenges.
He stressed that leveraging local expertise and technological innovations in agriculture is vital, especially as international funding for certain agricultural and health programs declines.
“IITA has been at the forefront of agricultural research, food security, and economic development across Africa for over five decades,” Shettima said.
“We have some of the best crop scientists here, yet Nigeria has not fully tapped into its potential. But it’s better late than never.”
He explained that the government is prioritizing partnerships with institutions like IITA, given their research-driven approach, technological advancements, and alignment with Nigeria’s agricultural development goals.
Shettima was accompanied on the tour by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Agribusiness and Productivity Enhancement, Dr. Kingsley Uzoma, among others.
Welcoming the Vice President, IITA Director-General Dr. Simeon Ehui outlined the institute’s efforts to enhance Nigeria’s agricultural productivity.
He noted that IITA, in collaboration with CGIAR and other partners, has developed climate-resilient varieties of cassava, maize, and cowpea, improving farmers’ access to high-yield crops.
“In the Northeast, our USAID-funded Nigeria Integrated Agriculture Activity (NIAA) is developing community-based enterprises, creating jobs, and boosting staple crop yields while ensuring nutritionally rich food for Nigerians,” Ehui said.
He also highlighted IITA’s newly established Regional Hub for Fertilizer and Soil Health, which aims to promote sustainable fertilizer use, improve soil health, and support Nigeria’s drive for higher agricultural productivity.
Additionally, IITA has played a key role in crisis response, working with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to combat the recent ginger blight epidemic.
During the visit, Shettima and his delegation toured key IITA facilities, including the Seed Multiplication Centre for yam and cassava and the Business Incubation Platform (BIP), which focuses on innovative agribusiness solutions.
The Vice President reaffirmed the government’s determination to strengthen collaborations with agricultural research institutions, stating that Nigeria must harness homegrown solutions to achieve sustainable food security.
