The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services has held a public hearing on three pivotal bills aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s agricultural future.
The proposed legislation includes:
- A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) Act, 2025 (HB 2036)—designed to strengthen the nation’s financial commitment to agriculture.
- A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Farm Settlements Agency to Promote Agricultural Development, Ensure Food Security, and Foster Economic Growth (HB 1347) — intended to drive agricultural expansion, secure food production, and stimulate economic growth.
- A Bill for an Act to Provide a Legal Framework for the Establishment of the National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute, Argungu, Kebbi State (HB 423) — aimed at achieving national self-sufficiency in rice production.
Declaring the hearing open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, described the bills as more than mere pieces of legislation, but a “blueprint for a more secure, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria.”
“They demonstrate our commitment to harnessing the vast potential of our agricultural resources to improve the lives of our citizens. This hearing aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the declaration of a State of Emergency on Food Security, underscoring our collective resolve to tackle food insecurity and boost agricultural productivity,” he said.
The Speaker urged stakeholders, experts, and citizens to actively engage in the process by sharing insights and concerns that would help craft effective and inclusive laws.
“Let us work together to build a resilient agricultural sector that drives our economy, guarantees food security, and uplifts every Nigerian,” he added.
Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Mr Bello Ka’oje, said the public hearing reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s agricultural sector through strong legislation and stakeholder collaboration.
Read Also:Organisation Calls for Creation of UN Agritourism Body
He noted that the 10th House has continued to prioritise agriculture as a key driver of national development, job creation, and food security.
“Distinguished guests, agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and the most reliable path to inclusive growth and poverty reduction. However, achieving food security and competitiveness requires sound policies supported by effective legislation.
“This public hearing offers all stakeholders — policymakers, farmers, researchers, investors, and development partners — an opportunity to share valuable perspectives. Your insights today will help us refine these bills to ensure they are practical, forward-looking, and beneficial to all segments of the agricultural sector,” Ka’oje stated.
He reaffirmed the committee’s resolve to ensure that every law passed strengthens productivity, fosters innovation, and delivers real value to Nigerian farmers.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Executive, relevant agencies, and the private sector to make agriculture a business that drives national prosperity,” he said.
Contributions to the bills were made by ministers, agency heads, research institutions, farmers’ associations, and the media, all of whom pledged their support towards building a resilient, productive, and food-secure Nigeria.