University of Abuja and SCRiH Partner to Build National Agricultural Lab

The Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRiH) and the University of Abuja have signed a lease agreement. This agreement is for the creation of the National Agricultural Reference Laboratory and Centre of Excellence (NARL-CE).

The goal of this project is to boost Nigeria’s agricultural research, food safety, and scientific infrastructure.

This agreement is a big step forward. It follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both organizations in 2025. The lease provides the legal framework for the next steps, including detailed designs, site preparation, and building the facility.

Once finished, the laboratory will be a national center for agricultural research and innovation. It will help improve food safety, biotechnology, biosecurity, and environmental monitoring.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, SCRiH founder Adebayo Adeleke said this agreement shows they are moving from planning to actual work.

“Our vision is to build a national institution where science, innovation, and education come together to advance food security, strengthen agricultural competitiveness, and support sustainable development across Africa,” Mr Adeleke said.

The partners in this project believe the National Agricultural Reference Laboratory and Centre of Excellence will have advanced lab facilities. It will support scientific research, train workers, and encourage collaboration between universities, government agencies, industry, and international partners.

This facility is also expected to train future scientists and researchers. It aims to promote innovation in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The project will be done in partnership with the University of Abuja. It is led by Vice-Chancellor Babatunde Fawehinmi, who is a Professor.

To deliver the project, a group of Nigerian and international organizations will work together. They have experience in lab planning, scientific infrastructure, and engineering.

Spacecube Construction Limited will handle the architectural design and construction of the lab. Gobiosis International (Pty) Ltd and EMERA Consultants Ltd will manage the lab infrastructure. They will work with global technology partners like Siemens, Köttermann GmbH from Germany, and H. Ludi + Co. AG from Switzerland.

The supporters of this initiative believe it will strengthen Nigeria’s scientific abilities. It will also boost agricultural productivity and support research that leads to better food security and sustainable development.