The Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRiH) and the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) have signed a lease agreement to establish the National Agricultural Reference Laboratory and Centre of Excellence, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural research, food safety systems, biotechnology capabilities, and scientific innovation. The agreement marks the transition of the project from the planning stage to implementation following the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both organisations in 2025.
The proposed facility, which will be located at the University of Abuja, is expected to become one of Africa’s leading centres for agricultural laboratory research and innovation. With the legal framework now in place, the partners will commence detailed design, site preparation, and construction of the laboratory complex.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Adebayo Adeleke, Founder of SCRiH, described the agreement as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s quest to strengthen agricultural science and food security. He noted that the project is designed to create a national institution where research, innovation, and education converge to improve agricultural competitiveness, promote sustainable development, and enhance food systems across Nigeria and the wider African continent.
According to the project partners, the National Agricultural Reference Laboratory and Centre of Excellence will provide advanced laboratory facilities for agricultural science, food safety testing, biotechnology, biosecurity, and environmental monitoring. The centre will also support scientific research, develop technical expertise, and facilitate collaboration among universities, government agencies, industry stakeholders, and international research institutions.
The project is being implemented under the leadership of the University of Abuja’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, through a consortium of Nigerian and international organisations specialising in laboratory planning, scientific infrastructure, and engineering. The partners said the centre will play a critical role in training the next generation of agricultural scientists, researchers, and laboratory professionals while supporting national efforts to improve food quality standards, disease surveillance, environmental monitoring, and agricultural productivity. The facility is also expected to enhance Nigeria’s capacity for scientific testing and evidence-based policy making within the agricultural sector.
Industry stakeholders believe the establishment of the laboratory represents a significant investment in Nigeria’s agricultural research ecosystem. By strengthening scientific infrastructure and fostering innovation, the project is expected to improve food safety, support agribusiness development, facilitate technology transfer, and contribute to the country’s broader food security and sustainable agriculture objectives.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s long-term strategy of leveraging research, innovation, and public-private partnerships to modernise agriculture, improve competitiveness, and enhance resilience across the nation’s food value chains.
