How Politics Is Crippling Nigeria’s Research Sector

Aerial view of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN)

Many years ago, as the Nigerian government sought to drive innovation and national development, it established over 66 research institutes across various fields. From agriculture to technology, the vision was clear: to make research the engine of progress and to create home-grown solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.

However, many years later, many of these institutions have very little to show for their existence. Many have since abandoned their original vision, and a significant number are struggling to make a meaningful impact in addressing the country’s real problems.

Take, for example, the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN). It was established in 1964 to enhance the production of cocoa, cashew, coffee, kola, and tea. In the 1970s, Nigeria’s cocoa production reached approximately 420,000 tonnes. Nevertheless, by 1999, the figure had dropped sharply to around 170,000 tonnes. Sadly, the country still exports cocoa mainly in its raw form — a clear sign that research outputs are not translating into value-added benefits. Ironically, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), which was patterned after CRIN, has become a globally respected research hub.

Findings indicate that many Nigerian research institutes are struggling with decaying infrastructure, outdated equipment, inadequate funding, and low staff morale. Experts say that brain drain, a lack of industry collaboration, and weak government support have exacerbated the problem. The result is a research system that produces reports and recommendations, but very few real-world innovations.

To make matters worse, several research institutes are now being drawn into political and constituency projects. So, rather than staying focused on scientific studies that will provide actual solutions, agencies like the National Cereals Research Institute and the National Centre for Agricultural Mechanisation are now seen building roads, installing solar lights, and distributing machinery — projects that have little or nothing to do with research. Analysts have warned that this politicisation of research institutes will further erode their institutional integrity and long-term productivity.

Experts are calling for urgent reforms. Dr Kehinde Amoo has urged the government to provide consistent funding, modern infrastructure, stronger industry links, and appoint leaders based on merit rather than politics. According to respected public policy analyst Adewale Adeduntan, more explicit governance rules are needed to protect research independence and align outputs with national development goals.

While some institutions, such as IITA and NCAM, have recorded pockets of success, including the introduction of mechanised yam mounders and multi-crop threshers, these innovations have yet to reach most Nigerians. Stakeholders believe that turning research results into practical innovations, encouraging commercialisation, and strengthening collaboration between research bodies, industry, and government will be key to reviving the sector.

To restore the integrity of these agencies, experts have insisted that Nigeria must urgently address the rot through proper funding, effective oversight, and a clear return to core mandates.
Failure to do so means the country will continue to rely on other nations for solutions to its food security and technological challenges — and risk wasting its enormous research potential in the global race for innovation and development.