The Executive Director of the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Dr. Muhammed Ndagi Ishaq, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable food security while prioritizing staff welfare across Nigeria’s agricultural research institutions.
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 large-scale procurement of tractors and the redefinition of the national agricultural roadmap are already yielding tangible results.
“The recent reduction in food prices across many parts of the country is a clear reflection of the effectiveness of the policies of the present administration,” Dr. Ishaq stated.
While assuring staff of NCRI’s readiness to play a pivotal role in the nation’s agricultural transformation, the Executive Director reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving staff welfare and maximizing the potential of the institute’s outstations nationwide.
Welcoming the Executive Director, the Head of the Bacita Outstation, Dr. Mumeen A. Yusuf, expressed appreciation for selecting Bacita as one of the early stops in his nationwide tour of NCRI facilities. He described the visit as a morale booster that reaffirms management’s recognition of staff contributions.
“Your visit demonstrates management’s acknowledgment of our modest efforts toward the institute’s success. We remain fully committed to supporting your vision and advancing NCRI’s mandate,” Dr. Mumeen remarked.
Dr. Ishaq was accompanied on the visit by Dr. Olumide Shokalu, a senior director in the institute, and Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Abo, 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. The institute also develops farming system technologies and provides agricultural extension services across the North Central region.
Since its 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.
