FG commissions veterinary clinic, fish pond, store building at ARCN

The Federal Government has commissioned a Veterinary Clinic, Fish Pond, and Store Building at the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) headquarters, Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and enhance food security in the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, who performed the commissioning, commended ARCN for its commitment to agricultural research and innovation. He noted that the facilities would provide critical support to farmers, researchers, and agricultural stakeholders.

He said: “The veterinary clinic will help improve animal health and boost livestock productivity, while the fish pond will promote aquaculture and serve as a research and training centre for fish farming,” adding that the store building would ensure efficient storage and management of official resources necessary for ARCN’s operations.

The Minister mentioned that the projects were approved before the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, emphasising the need for collaboration among the three ministries to achieve the government’s agricultural reform agenda.

He also directed all agricultural research institutes to prioritise climate adaptation and climate-smart agricultural practices, ensuring the availability of viable seeds and increasing the enrollment of students in agricultural colleges to train more extension workers.

During the event, the minister announced the presentation of the Renewed Hope Agricultural Technology Adoption Programme (RHATAP), approved by the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security in November 2024. The programme aims to promote the adoption of modern agricultural technologies across the country.

In addition, he directed the absorption of ARCN Radio and Television staff to enhance efficiency and service delivery in agricultural communication.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to investing in research, infrastructure, and capacity building to achieve food security and sustainable agricultural development. He commended ARCN and its partners for their contributions and pledged continued government support for similar initiatives nationwide.

The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Prof. Garba Hamidu Sharubutu, in his welcome remarks, explained that the store complex, a two-storey facility with a central storage unit and offices, was designed to safeguard government resources and improve workplace efficiency, adding that the Veterinary Clinic, equipped with a pharmacy, examination rooms, and ambulatory services, aims to improve disease surveillance, control transboundary and zoonotic diseases, and expand veterinary service access.

The fish pond, featuring a water recirculatory system and training facilities, will provide hands-on learning for students and young entrepreneurs in fish farming and processing.

Prof. Sharubutu reaffirmed ARCN’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and pledged that the newly commissioned facilities would be fully utilized to advance agricultural research and innovation in Nigeria.

Finally, the Minister inspected the ongoing construction of ARCN’s five-storey Corporate Headquarters, which will house administrative offices, an exhibition hall, and spaces for international partners. The project, which began in December 2023, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.