FG Determined to Achieve Food Sufficiency, NCRI Executive Director Assures
The Executive Director of the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Dr. Muhammed Ndagi Ishaq, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to achieving sustainable food sufficiency and improving staff welfare across agricultural research institutions in the country.
Dr. Ishaq, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2024, made this known on Tuesday during an official visit to the NCRI Bacita Outstation in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State.
He commended President Tinubu for taking bold and strategic steps toward revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector under the leadership of the Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security. According to him, initiatives such as the massive procurement of tractors and the redefinition of the national agricultural roadmap are already yielding tangible results.
“The recent reduction in food prices in many parts of the country is a clear reflection of the effectiveness of the policies of the present administration,” Dr. Ishaq noted.
While assuring staff of NCRI’s readiness to play a pivotal role in the nation’s agricultural revolution, the Executive Director reiterated his administration’s commitment to staff welfare and the optimal utilization of the institute’s outstations nationwide.
Welcoming the visiting Executive Director, the Head of the Bacita Outstation, Dr. Mumeen A. Yusuf, expressed appreciation for choosing Bacita among the early stops in his tour of NCRI facilities. He described the visit as a morale booster for staff, reaffirming their dedication to the institute’s mandates.
“Your visit demonstrates management’s recognition of our modest contributions to the institute’s success. We remain fully committed to supporting your vision and ensuring the continued progress of NCRI,” Dr. Mumeen stated.
Dr. Ishaq was accompanied on the visit by Dr. Olumide Shokalu, a senior director in the institute, and Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Abo, the Director of Administration.
The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, is a federal government research institute mandated to conduct research on the genetic improvement, agronomic practices, processing, and value addition of key crops such as rice, sugarcane, soybean, sesame, castor, acha, and stevia. It also develops farming system technologies and provides agricultural extension services across the North Central region.
Since inception, NCRI has released over 70 improved rice varieties adapted to various agro-ecological zones across Nigeria. The institute’s governing council is chaired by Prince Sunday Fagbemi, a prominent Kwara-born politician appointed by President Tinubu.