By Mercy Aikoye
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, emphasized the need for sustained funding to increase agricultural productivity. “If we can concentrate on funding the processes for yield increase, our farmers will be able to produce more,” he said.
The Minister spoke at a public hearing on three bills aimed at promoting agricultural development and food security in Nigeria. The bills seek to establish a National Farm Settlements Agency and a National Rice Production, Processing, and Research Institute.
Abdullahi noted that Nigeria’s yield gap is a major problem in ensuring food security. “The average yield of rice in Nigeria is about 5 tonnes per hectare, while the yield potential is 9-12 tonnes per hectare,” he said.
The Minister suggested that strengthening the current system and making it more productive would be more effective than establishing new institutions. “I would like honourable members to take a greater look at how we can strengthen the current system to deliver maximum productivity,” he said.
The Committee Chairman, Hon. Bello Kaoje, stated that agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and the most reliable path to inclusive growth and poverty reduction. “Achieving food security and competitiveness requires sound policies supported by effective legislation,” he said.
The public hearing offers stakeholders an opportunity to share valuable perspectives and insights on the proposed bills. The Committee is committed to ensuring that every law passed strengthens productivity, enhances innovation, and provides real value to Nigerian farmers.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen, represented by Hon. Ayokunle Isiaka, declared the public hearing open. “The proposed bills are more than just legislation; they are a blueprint for a more secure, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria,” he said.
The bills aim to promote agricultural development, ensure food security, and foster economic growth in Nigeria. The public hearing is part of the legislative process to ensure that the bills are practical, forward-looking, and beneficial to all segments of the agricultural sector.
