Construction has begun on a major agricultural development project at the University of Abuja, Gwagwalada, as the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure moves to strengthen food production and innovation in Nigeria.
The project is an Agricultural Incubation Centre being developed on a 10 hectare site within the university.
It is conceived as a commercially viable agricultural hub that combines modern farming, research and training to support national food security goals.
According to NASENI, the centre will function as a technology focused production and learning facility, bringing together poultry farming, aquaculture, greenhouse crop production and scientific research under one coordinated system.
When completed, the facility is expected to serve as a template that can be replicated across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Acting Coordinating Director of the Engineering Infrastructure Directorate at NASENI headquarters, Engr Dr Abdulrasheed Agavah, described the project as a strategic intervention aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said the initiative is designed to increase food availability and affordability through modern farming methods supported by research and innovation.
Agavah explained that locating the centre within a university environment was intentional, as it would promote collaboration between researchers, students and industry players while encouraging knowledge transfer and skills development.
He added that the facility is scheduled for commissioning within the year.
NASENI also revealed that similar agricultural incubation projects are already underway at Bayero University Kano, with plans to extend the programme to Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi and other regions of the country.
Details of the project components were provided during an inspection visit by the Project Manager of Onida Agric and Aquaculture Solutions Ltd, Mr Christian Montano.
He said the poultry section would include a broiler unit with capacity for 5,000 birds and a layer unit designed to accommodate 8,000 birds.
The aquaculture segment will consist of three circular production tanks, each measuring 16 metres in diameter, with an estimated combined annual output of 25 tonnes of fish including catfish and tilapia.
Montano noted that crop production would be driven by 10 greenhouse tunnels measuring 500 square metres each, alongside a 2.5 hectare net house and four hectares of open field cultivation.
He added that a tissue culture laboratory has been incorporated into the design to speed up seedling production and improve the quality of planting materials.
Supporting infrastructure at the centre includes six solar powered boreholes, irrigation control systems, power storage workshops, administrative buildings and a gatehouse.
Plans are also in place to construct a water retention facility to guarantee steady water supply throughout the year.
When completed, the Agricultural Incubation Centre is expected to support agribusiness development, build technical capacity and contribute significantly to sustainable food production in Nigeria.
