The National Assembly plans to help Nigeria cut post-harvest losses by increasing funding for the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI). This move aims to improve food security and protect farmers’ incomes.
Chairman of the House Committee on AgriRep. Abiodun Akinlade, spoke through his deputy, Salman Idris, at the 3rd Post-Harvest Connect and Root, Tuber and Banana Conference in Abuja.
He said the legislature sees post-harvest losses as a major threat to Nigeria’s agricultural progress. He said that it will intensify legislative backing, budgetary allocation, and oversight for ensuring NSPRI delivers effective solutions.
Akinlade further stated, “We are determined to keep our institutions accountable and in line with national priorities. Post-harvest technologies must move from research halls into farmers’ hands.”
Reiterating these views, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, agreed that losses in root, tuber, and banana value chains hurt farmers’ incomes and limit their access to markets.
He said solving these problems is key to lowering food prices and making the sector stronger. Commitment, the conference—themed “Scaling Post-Harvest Technologies for Improved Productivity and Competitiveness”—brought together policymakers, researchers, agribusinesses, and development partners to showcase innovations and build partnerships.
Dr Adamu Dabban, Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), said that although Nigeria has invested heavily in agricultural research, there is still a significant gap between generating new ideas and putting them into practice. He encouraged everyone to focus on practical results that help spread, fund, and extend technology.
He repeated ARCN’s promise to build stronger partnerships between research institutions, universities, the private sector, and development partners. He said working together is key to turning research into real benefits for farmers and consumers.