House Urges Nigerian Government To End Food Insecurity Through Agricultural Revolution

The house of representatives has urged the federal government in collaboration with State Governments to demarcate a minimum of 18000 hectares of arable land in each of the six zones and name it Geo Agricultural Zones.

It also mandated the ministry of agriculture and food security to apportion these demarcated arable lands according to comparative advantage in crop cultivation.

The house further mandated the ministry of agriculture and Food security to appoint seasoned agriculturists in each zone and call them Geo Agricultural Zone Project Managers (GaZPM) with the sole mandate to cultivate the lands using mechanization and proceed stored in National Food Bank of the nation.

The resolutions were contained in a motion on the ” Urgent Need To End Food Insecurity through mechanized agricultural Revolution Across The Country”, sponsored by Hon. Clement Jimbo.

He said that the House notes that National Assembly is saddled with the task of making laws for the Peace, Order and Good governance of the Federation as enshrined in Section 4(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.

” Cognizant of Section 16(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended which states that the State shall within the context of the ideal and objectives for which provisions are made in this constitution harness the resources of the nation and promote national prosperity and an efficient, a dynamic and self-reliant economy. Also cognizant that according to Food and Agricultural Organisation, agriculture remains the foundation of our country’s economy, providing livelihoods for most Nigerians and generating millions of jobs.

“Acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Government intervention strategies which includes: (a) release of fertilizers to farmers and grains to households activation of Land banks amongst others.

” Aware that Nigeria has a total of 70.8 million hectares of agricultural land of which 34 million hectares are arable land which maize, rice, cassava, guinea corn, yam, palm oil, beans, etc grow effectively with less soil improvements.

” Also aware that the Bureau of Statistics with the support of World Bank and Food and agricultural Organization recently released the national agricultural Sample Census Report 2022 that captured a total 40.2 million agricultural households in Nigeria. 

” The report further states and that agriculture remains a corner stone of Nigeria’s economy, supporting millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to the nation’s GPD. Despite its importance, the sector has faced numerous challenges, including outdated and insufficient data which have hindered effective planning and resource allocation”. Hon Jimbo said.

He also said that the National Agricultural sample census addresses this gap, offering a detailed and accurate picture of agricultural activities at the household level which is essential for driving growth and development.

” Further aware that millets, sorghum, maize, groundnuts, beans, rice, tomato, carrot etc grow very well in the north while cassava, yam, maize, palm oil, cucumber, maize, cotton e.t.c do very well in the south.

” Concerned that despite huge financial resources appropriated in the budget and implemented and human resources dissipated by 40.2 million households, they have not addressed the current food insecurity in the nation.

“Worried that the current high cost of food products caused by insufficient food availability due to high demand but low supply can lead to malnutrition, psychological distressed and other outcomes including depression”. He added.

The House urged the Committee on Agricultural Production and services to monitor compliance to the resolutions.