By Faridat Salifu
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, has called for sustained investment and increased funding in Nigeria’s agricultural sector to close yield gaps in major crops and strengthen national food security.
Speaking last Monday at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Abdullahi said consistent financing and improved farmer productivity are crucial to bridging Nigeria’s food deficit.
The public hearing considered three key bills aimed at enhancing agricultural development and research capacity.
They include the Bill to Amend the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) Act, 2025 (HB 2036), designed to strengthen financial support for agriculture; the Bill to Establish the National Farm Settlements Agency (HB 1347), to promote agricultural development and ensure food security; and the Bill for the Establishment of the National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute, Argungu, Kebbi State (HB 423), to advance rice self-sufficiency.
Abdullahi identified low crop yields as a major setback for Nigeria’s agricultural growth, citing rice and cassava as key examples.
“For rice, the average yield for our best-performing farmers is about five tonnes per hectare, while global leaders achieve between nine to twelve tonnes,” he said. “If we can double our yield to seven or eight tonnes through proper funding and research, the current two million metric tonnes rice deficit can easily be closed.”
The minister expressed concern that many agricultural research institutes had become “employment centres” instead of innovation hubs, urging lawmakers to strengthen existing institutions rather than create new ones.
Using cassava as another example, Abdullahi said that although Nigeria has remained the world’s largest producer for over three decades, productivity remains low.
“The national average yield is just about 11 tonnes per hectare, whereas research shows we can achieve up to 49 tonnes,” he said. “Doubling that yield to 22 tonnes means our current 60 million metric tonnes output could rise to 120 million or even 180 million — a massive boost to the economy.”
Abdullahi noted that while the Ministry of Agriculture aligns with the objectives of the proposed bills, certain administrative provisions require further review to ensure consistency with existing laws and programmes.
In his remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Hon. Bello Kaoje, described agriculture as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a key driver of inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
“Achieving food security requires sound policies and effective legislation,” Kaoje said. “This hearing provides a platform for policymakers, farmers, researchers, investors and development partners to share ideas that will make these laws practical and beneficial.”
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to promoting innovation and collaboration with the executive and private sector to make agriculture a profitable and sustainable business.
Declaring the session open, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, represented by Hon. Ayokunle Isiaka, described the bills as a blueprint for a secure and self-reliant Nigeria.
“These legislative efforts demonstrate our collective resolve to tackle food insecurity and improve productivity, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the declaration of a State of Emergency on Food Security,” he said.
The Speaker urged all stakeholders to actively engage in the legislative process to build a resilient agricultural sector capable of driving economic growth and ensuring food security for all Nigerians.
