News in Brief:
– Nigeria’s House of Reps passed a bill for specialised agricultural colleges to boost innovation and productivity in rural areas.
– This legislative action aims to bridge the agricultural research and training gap, enhancing food security and stimulating economic growth nationwide.
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has taken decisive action to bolster agricultural innovation and productivity in rural areas by passing a bill for establishing specialised agricultural training colleges across the nation.
Essentially, the legislation, which amends the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, seeks to decentralise agricultural research and empower rural communities with advanced knowledge and skills.
New colleges to focus on specialised agricultural fields
The passed bill, officially titled “Bill for an Act to Amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, 1 to Provide for the Establishment of Certain Specialised Colleges; and for Other Related Matters,” was sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and six other lawmakers.
Effectively, it proposes the creation of specialised colleges focusing on critical areas of agriculture.
During the bill’s second reading, Deputy Speaker Kalu argued for its passage, highlighting agriculture’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy.
Also, he stressed its significant contribution to rural development, job creation, food security, and overall national economic growth.
Hon. Kalu pointed out the existing disparities in agricultural research and innovation, particularly the lack of access to specialised training in rural areas. He said that it hinders the realisation of their full agricultural potential.
Bill targets untapped potential in rural communities
Additionally, Kalu explained that the legislation is strategically designed to address these gaps by investing in the latent agricultural capabilities of rural communities.
He expressed strong confidence that the bill’s enactment would lead to a more robust agricultural research environment, increased employment and entrepreneurship, greater food security, and a stronger national economy.
Meanwhile, the bill outlines the creation of the following specialised Federal Colleges of Agriculture in each of the six geopolitical zones:
- South East: Federal College of Veterinary and Medical Laboratory Technology, Bende, Abia State.
- North East: Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Takum, Adamawa State.
- South West: Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Ikole Ekiti, Ekiti State.
- South South: Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.
- North West: Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Dange Shuni, Sokoto State.
- North Central: Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Olamaboro, Kogi State.
The lawmaker affirmed that establishing these institutions would ensure that advancements in agricultural knowledge and techniques are not confined to urban centres but are accessible to communities throughout the nation.
Following a voice vote in the House, presided over by Speaker Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, the bill successfully passed its second reading. It has now been referred to the Committee on Agricultural Colleges for further detailed examination and consideration before it can move to the next stage of the legislative process.
