The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and other relevant stakeholders have met to review agricultural laws, with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural practices, empowering farmers, and enhancing food security.
Speaking during the workshop held in Abuja on Monday, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, stated that the workshop was aimed at overhauling Nigeria’s agricultural laws to improve food security, climate resilience, and economic growth, among others.
The Minister stated that it is imperative to formulate legal frameworks to facilitate key aspects of improvement in Nigerian agriculture, geared towards addressing the problems affecting the sector.
“The agriculture sector in Nigeria is undergoing dynamism through its diverse production systems, evolving extension services, and response to climate change. The sector’s dynamism is evident in the shift from traditional farming practices to more modern techniques, diversification of crops and livestock, and adaptation to changing weather patterns.
“Nigeria cannot grow its agricultural sector into an industrial phase without an effective legal framework. The purpose of this workshop is, therefore, to initiate the process of amending all relevant agricultural laws to make them more conducive to agricultural business growth.
“The review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act is a priority, as it is intended to feature among the President’s mid-term achievements under his agricultural revamp and reform agenda,” Abdullahi said.
In a statement by the Assistant Director of Information in the Ministry, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the Minister reaffirmed that “the Federal Government’s approach to agriculture is multifaceted, encompassing policy development, financial support, and infrastructural development. The goal is to create a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute to food security, economic growth, and overall well-being of Nigerians”.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, stressed the importance of land tenure clarity, financing, quality control of seeds and fertilisers, as well as food safety.
Ogunbiyi urged the inclusion of smallholder farmers, women, and youth, and described the workshop as a vital step toward integrating their contributions and innovations.
He emphasised the Federal Government’s commitment to delivering policy, institutional, and legislative support to unleash the full potential of Nigeria’s agriculture sector.
In his welcome address, the Director, Legal Services Department, Dr Garba Isimbabi, described the workshop as a crucial platform to generate legal proposals aimed at streamlining food systems and rural livelihoods.