NBS and ARCN Team Up to Boost Agricultural Research Data

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN). This agreement will help improve collaboration on agricultural research data and enhance statistics in the sector.

The focus is on the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) project. This project aims to improve the production and use of high-quality agricultural research data in Nigeria.

During the signing ceremony on Monday, the Statistician-General of the Federation and CEO of NBS, Adeyemi Adeniran, said this partnership is good for both institutions and for Nigeria.

He explained that the collaboration will help track, measure, and use agricultural research and development activities for better national planning.

The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Abubakar Adamu Dabban, praised the NBS for successfully leading the ASTI initiative. He called it a model that other African countries can learn from.

The MoU lays out a plan to strengthen data collection, validation, analysis, and standardisation in Nigeria’s agricultural research system. It also includes plans for capacity building and better sharing of ASTI findings.

These efforts aim to support investment in agricultural research and development. The partnership is expected to improve the production of agricultural research statistics.

It will also enhance cooperation between the two institutions through a joint technical working committee. Additionally, it will help integrate ARCN more closely into Nigeria’s national statistical system.