Nigeria’s National Agricultural Reference Laboratory: SCRiH, University Of Abuja Sign Lease Of Agreement

0

LAGOS – The Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub (SCRiH) and the University of Abuja have signed a lease agreement to establish the National Agricultural Reference Laboratory and Center of Excellence (NARL-CE), marking a major step towards strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural research, food safety, and scientific capabilities.

The agreement marks the official start of the project’s implementation following the Memorandum of Understanding signed by both organisations in 2025.

With the legal framework now in place, work will begin on detailed design, site preparation and construction of the facility, which is expected to become one of Africa’s leading centres for agricultural laboratory research and innovation.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the founder of SCRiH, Adebayo Adeleke, said the agreement already moved the project from planning to delivery.

“Our vision is to build a national institution where science, innovation and education come together to advance food security, strengthen agricultural competitiveness and support sustainable development across Africa.” Adeleke said.

The National Agricultural Reference Laboratory and Center of Excellence will provide advanced laboratory facilities for agricultural science, food safety, biotechnology, biosecurity and environmental monitoring.

The centre will also support scientific research, train the next generation of scientists and researchers, and promote collaboration between academia, government, industry and international partners.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the University of Abuja under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi and will be delivered through a consortium of Nigerian and international organisations with expertise in laboratory planning, scientific infrastructure and engineering.

Spacecube Construction Limited is expected to lead the architectural design and construction of the facility, while Gobiosis International (Pty) Ltd and EMERA Consultants Limited will oversee laboratory infrastructure implementation alongside global technology partners, including Siemens, Köttermann GmbH (Germany) and H. Ludi + Co. AG (Switzerland).