Following the re-appraisal of the mandates and functions of National Research Institutes in 1987, the Lake Chad Research Institute became a crop-based research Institute and was charged with the following research mandates as reviewed in 1994:  

a.      The genetic improvement of Barley, Millet and Wheat.

b.     Investigation of the problems of all agricultural food crops grown in the broad ecological zone covered by Adamawa, Borno, Taraba and Yobe and later Bauchi and Gombe States; and in particular,

i. Crops agronomy including cultivation, planting and harvesting methods.

ii.                 Adaptation of introduced or improved crop varieties;

iii.              Development and testing of pest and disease control measures,

iv.               Farming system including integration of livestock, tres crops and stro forestry into the production systems

v.                 Socio economic problems of the farmers in the agricultural system 

vi.               Soil management including problems of soil structure, soil fertility and soil stabilization:

vii.            Irrigated crops production:

viii.         Limited processing and preservation of crops listed under (a) above,

ix.               Simple preservation, storage and processing in the rural setting of the crops listed in (a) above

x.                 Design and fabrication of simple agricultural implements and equipment,

c.      Any other problems related to (a) and (b) above.

d.     And also:

i.                   Carry out agricultural extension research liaison with relevant Federal and State Ministries, primary agricultural producers, Industries and any other users of research results within the zone in collaboration with NAERLS;

ii.                 Organize technical and vocational courses in agricultural crop production and related fields within the zone;

iii.              Provide laboratory and other technical services to farmers, agro-based industries and others needing these services;

iv.               In carrying out its mandate, the Institute shall collaborate with all other relevant Research Institutes and Organizations.