News in Brief:
– Nigeria’s Federal Government is launching an initiative to review and update its agricultural laws, aiming to enhance food security, promote sustainable practices, and empower farmers.
– This reform seeks to create a robust legal framework to drive agricultural growth and address sector challenges.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has revealed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, is embarking on a review and update of Nigeria’s agricultural laws.
The review is intended to foster sustainable farming practices, empower farmers, and strengthen the nation’s food security.
According to a press release signed by the Assistant Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Ezeaja Ikemefuna, the minister made this revelation at a stakeholder workshop in Abuja on Monday.
The event, which brought together various experts and organisations, was aimed at overhauling the legal framework governing agriculture in the country to drive improved food security, climate resilience, and economic growth.
At the workshop, Dr. Abdullahi harped on the need for robust legal structures to address existing challenges within the agricultural sector. He stressed that an effective legal framework is indispensable for the sector to transition into an industrial phase
He specifically noted the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act as a key objective. “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”, he said.
He also highlighted the dynamic nature of Nigerian agriculture, noting its evolution from traditional methods to more modern techniques, crop diversification, and adaptation to changing weather patterns.
Historical Context of Agricultural Law Reviews in Nigeria
Nigeria’s agricultural policies and legal frameworks have seen continuous evolution. Significant shifts occurred with the Land Use Decree of 1978 and various policy adjustments during the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) era.
More recently, the nation has also engaged in policy reforms like the National Agricultural Growth Enhancement Support Programme (NAGESP), indicating an ongoing effort to adapt its agricultural legal and policy landscape.
The minister affirmed the Federal Government’s comprehensive strategy for agriculture, which includes policy development, financial backing, and infrastructural improvements.
He noted that the ultimate goal is to cultivate a robust and sustainable agricultural sector that contributes significantly to the well-being of all Nigerians through enhanced food security and economic prosperity.
Stakeholder Perspectives
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, underscored several vital aspects for the sector’s growth, including clarity in land tenure, access to financing, stringent quality control for seeds and fertilisers, and ensuring food safety.
He advocated for the active participation of smallholder farmers, women, and youth, viewing the workshop as an essential step toward integrating their valuable contributions and innovative ideas.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Garba Isimbabi, Director of the Legal Services Department, described the workshop as a pivotal forum for generating legal proposals aimed at streamlining food systems and improving rural livelihoods.
Attendees
The workshop saw broad participation from key industry players, including representatives from the All Farmers Associations of Nigeria (AFAN), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Cooperatives Association of Nigeria, among others.
