Barau’s agricultural revolution bill scales second reading in Senate

• Proposed legislation seeks reforms in food security, mechanisation, irrigation, financing, agro-industrialisation

A bill sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, seeking a comprehensive legal framework for the transformation and modernisation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector has scaled second reading in the Senate.

The proposed legislation, which seeks to introduce far-reaching reforms in agricultural production, food security, mechanisation, irrigation and financing, is also aimed at promoting agro-industrialisation, rural development and climate-resilient farming.

It forms part of efforts to reposition agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, food security and industrial development, amid concerns over rising food prices, declining agricultural productivity and the need to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports.

If enacted, the bill is expected to provide a comprehensive legal framework for modernising agricultural practices, improving access to financing and strengthening the link between agricultural production and agro-industrial development.

Leading the debate on the bill, titled a “Bill for an Act to Provide a Comprehensive Legal Framework for the Transformation and Modernisation of Agriculture in Nigeria, Promote Food Security, Agricultural Productivity, Mechanisation, Irrigation, Agricultural Financing, Agro-industrialisation, Rural Development and Climate-Resilient Farming,” Barau said the proposed legislation was designed to review the agricultural sector, introduce necessary reforms and set the country on the path to an agricultural revolution.

Recalling Nigeria’s glorious days in agriculture, the Deputy Senate President attributed the sector’s decline to the collapse of production systems that once supplied the country’s industries with essential raw materials.

He said the proposed legislation was intended to complement the reform initiatives of the President Bola Tinubu administration by addressing critical challenges in the agricultural sector and repositioning it for sustainable growth.

However, he stressed that national development should not be left to the President alone, noting that the legislature and other stakeholders had a responsibility to support the administration’s efforts.

“This is a reforming government. The government is making changes and introducing reforms across different sectors. I acknowledge that the President is doing well in pursuing reforms in various aspects of our national life.

“However, we cannot leave everything to the President alone. Government is a collaborative undertaking, and we all have a responsibility to complement what the President is doing.

“That is why I have introduced this bill. A lot of thought and effort have gone into its preparation. The objective is to examine the agricultural sector, introduce the necessary changes and bring about a revolution in the sector.

“What does that mean? It means bringing about a fundamental and far-reaching transformation in the way we approach agriculture. We need to change the existing trajectory,” he stated.

The Deputy Senate President said the bill was also expected to stimulate conversations and debates on the future of agriculture in Nigeria, allowing stakeholders to contribute their views and expertise towards achieving the proposed reforms.

Seconding the bill, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, said its passage would provide the necessary legal framework to revolutionise the agricultural sector and diversify the nation’s economy.

Senators Babangida Hussaini, Anthony Okorie Ani, a professor of Agricultural Extension, and Adeniyi Adegbonmire Ayodele also contributed in favour of the bill. They argued that when passed into law, it will provide a comprehensive approach to addressing critical challenges in the agricultural sector.

Following the debate, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committees on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, and Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, for further legislative scrutiny.

He gave the committees four weeks to report back to the Senate.

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