Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria
About
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) is a Nigerian federal government agency with perpetual succession, established as a Grade 'A' parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. It is the apex body responsible for coordinating, managing and regulating agricultural research in Nigeria.
History
Agricultural research in Nigeria began in the late 19th century with a botanical garden in Lagos, and was later organised under colonial-era departments of agriculture. After independence in 1960, regional research institutes were nationalised, and the federal government later intervened to reorganise research institutes. The first ARCN was established under Decree 25 of 1971 but was abolished in 1977 and replaced by the Nigerian Science and Technology Development Agency. The ARCN was reestablished by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Decree No. 44 of 1999, published as Extra-ordinary Government Notice No. 78 of 26 May 1999. Following a 2005 presidential retreat that identified weak linkages between research and production, an Executive Secretary for the ARCN was appointed in November 2006.
Key Facts
Established
1999
Headquarters
Agricultural Research House, Plot 223D Cadastral Zone B6, Mabushi, Abuja Nigeria
Executive Secretary
Dr. Adamu Abubakar Dabban
Abbreviation
ARCN
Website
arcn.gov.ng