Abuja: The Federal Government has taken steps to review Nigeria's agricultural laws to promote agriculture development and enhance food and nutrition security in the country. Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated this at the opening of the stakeholders' workshop and input on the Nigeria Agricultural Laws Reform in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abdullahi said that these laws, which are the subjects of review or amendment, have been enacted for a very long time to provide the legal frameworks for the promotion of development in the agricultural sector. He emphasized that 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. He also highlighted challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and high input costs that continue to affect agricultural inputs.
Abdullahi stressed the importance of formulating legal frameworks to facilitate key aspects of improvement in Nigerian agriculture aimed at addressing the problems affecting the sector. He mentioned that government policies and initiatives are aimed at boosting agricultural production to meet the food needs of the growing population. Efforts were being made to support smallholder farmers through access to finance, training, and technology, and there was a growing awareness of the need to address gender inequality in agriculture and empower women to participate in decision-making and access resources.
He noted that the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act was a priority, as it was intended to feature among the President's legacy achievements under his Cooperative Revamp and Reform Initiative. The Federal Government's approach to agriculture is multifaceted, encompassing policy development, financial support, and infrastructural development, with the goal of creating a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute to food security, economic growth, and overall well-being of Nigerians.
Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, emphasized the need for a strong and robust legal framework for the agricultural sector. Meanwhile, Mr. Isimbabi Garba, Director of Legal Services in the ministry, underscored the urgent need to reform and reposition Nigeria's legal framework to support a modern, vibrant, and resilient agricultural economy.
Garba remarked that agricultural law reform is crucial to Nigeria's economic growth, food security, and sustainable development. Updating the laws will help address emerging challenges and opportunities, enhance productivity and efficiency, promote sustainable practices, support small-scale farmers, attract investments, and improve food security. He stated that the ministry, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, is taking a bold and timely step to ensure that Nigeria's laws reflect the realities of today and the aspirations of tomorrow.