The Supply Chain Research and Innovation Hub and the University of Abuja have signed a lease agreement to establish the National Agricultural Reference Laboratory and Centre of Excellence, a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural research, food safety and scientific capabilities.

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

With the legal framework now in place, the partners will begin detailed design, site preparation and construction of the facility, which they said 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 had moved the project from planning to execution.

“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.

According to the organisers, the National Agricultural Reference Laboratory and Centre of Excellence will provide advanced laboratory facilities for agricultural science, food safety, biotechnology, biosecurity and environmental monitoring.

The centre is also expected to support scientific research, train the next generation of scientists and researchers, and foster collaboration among academia, government, industry and international partners.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the University of Abuja under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem 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 will lead the architectural design and construction of the facility, while Gobiosis International (Pty) Ltd and EMERA Consultants Ltd will oversee laboratory infrastructure implementation alongside global technology partners, including Siemens, Köttermann GmbH of Germany, and H. Ludi + Co. AG of Switzerland.