The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) to strengthen collaboration on agricultural research data and improve statistics within the sector.
The agreement focuses on the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) project, which aims to enhance the production and use of high-quality agricultural research data in Nigeria.
Speaking at the signing ceremony on Monday, the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Adeyemi Adeniran, described the partnership as beneficial to both institutions and the country.
He said the collaboration would improve the tracking, measurement, and utilisation of agricultural research and development activities for national planning.
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The Executive Secretary of ARCN, Abubakar Adamu Dabban, commended the NBS for successfully piloting the ASTI initiative, describing it as a model that other African countries could adopt.
The MoU provides a framework for strengthening data collection, validation, analysis and standardisation within the national agricultural research system.
It also sets out plans for capacity building, improved dissemination of ASTI findings and evidence-based advocacy to support investment in agricultural research and development.
The partnership is said to improve the production of agricultural research statistics, deepen institutional collaboration through a joint technical working committee and integrate ARCN more closely into Nigeria’s national statistical system.