By Abdullahi Lukman
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, has urged for increased investment and sustained funding in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to bridge crop yield gaps and attain food security.
Speaking at a public hearing organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services on Monday, Abdullahi emphasized that improved financing and enhanced farmer productivity are essential to closing the nation’s food deficit.
The hearing reviewed three proposed bills: an amendment to the National Agricultural Development Fund (HB 2036) to boost financial support for agriculture; the establishment of a National Farm Settlements Agency (HB 1347) to promote agricultural development; and a bill to establish a National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute in Argungu, Kebbi State (HB 423) aimed at achieving rice self-sufficiency.
Abdullahi cited Nigeria’s low crop yields as a major challenge.
He noted that while top Nigerian rice farmers produce about five tonnes per hectare, global leaders achieve up to 12 tonnes.
Increasing the yield to at least seven or eight tonnes through proper funding and research could eliminate the country’s two million metric tonnes rice deficit, he said.
On cassava, he pointed out that although Nigeria has led global production for over three decades, yields remain poor.
With a national average of 11 tonnes per hectare, the minister argued that achieving 22 tonnes could double the country’s 60 million metric tonnes output, significantly boosting the economy.
Abdullahi criticized many agricultural research institutions for functioning more as employment centers than innovation hubs and called for strengthening existing agencies rather than creating new ones.
While supporting the intent of the bills, he urged lawmakers to review certain administrative aspects to ensure alignment with current laws and programs.
House Committee Chairman Hon. Bello Kaoje described agriculture as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy, adding that the sector is vital for inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
He called for collaborative policy-making among stakeholders to make the proposed legislation effective.
Speaker of the House Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Hon. Ayokunle Isiaka, described the bills as key to building a secure, self-reliant, and prosperous nation.
He urged stakeholders to actively participate in the legislative process to strengthen agriculture in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the ongoing State of Emergency on Food Security.