IITA and the Nigerian army sign MoU on food security

IITA–CGIAR and the Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited (NAFARL) have signed a memorandum of understanding towards bolstering food security, which the army describes as one of the pathways to peace in the country. The signing of the MoU came after the NAFARL delegation’s previous visits to the IITA headquarters to explore available agricultural innovations.

At the event, held at the NAFARL headquarters in Abuja on June 23, the Deputy Director-General, Partnerships for Delivery, IITA, Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, signed on behalf of the institute, while the Executive Director, NAFARL, Major General O. M. Dare, signed on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.

The IITA DDG described the partnership as a milestone for IITA and the Nigerian army, reflecting the military’s evolving role as the guardian of national security and an active contributor to national development. He emphasized IITA’s belief that agriculture remains one of the most powerful tools for building peace, restoring stability, and creating prosperity.

He noted that the partnership holds immense promises for Nigeria’s agricultural future, food security, and national resilience. He added that combining IITA’s deep technical expertise and innovations in agriculture with the army’s operational strength and reach had set the stage for strengthening NAFARL’s capacity to become a more productive, resilient, and profitable endeavor.

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