House of Reps Hold Public Hearing on Agriculture Revamping Bills

News in Brief

-Nigeria's House of Rep engage agricultural stakeholders in a public hearing on bills to develop Nigeria’s agricultural and food production sector.

-Key proposals include amending funding operations, farm Settlements, and a rice institute to drive national and regional innovation.

The House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services is holding a Public Hearing on three bills concerning the agriculture and food sector in Nigeria today. 

According to a statement by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Akin Rotimi Jr., the public hearing will engage the public and stakeholders across the agric value chain to deliberate on the bills in front of the committee.

Funding, Farm Settlements, and Rice Production

The discussions will focus on several policies, such as:

• Amending the existing National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) (Establishment) Act to increase the operational efficiency and funding mechanisms dedicated to agricultural development nationwide.
• Establishing the National Farm Settlements Agency to promote agricultural development, ensure food security, and foster economic growth through agro-allied industrial processing zones; and
• Establishing the National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute, Argungu, Kebbi State, and for related matters.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, Rep. Bello A. Ka’oje, said the session would provide a balanced platform for engagement, noting that all submissions will guide the Committee’s recommendations to the House.

“This hearing demonstrates the House’s belief that agricultural reform must be shaped by the voices of farmers, researchers, and industry players whose experiences drive real impact. Our goal is to ensure that whatever proposals eventually advance to the next stage of the legislative process are those that truly serve the national interest,” Rep. Ka’oje said.

What You Should Know

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) Act was signed into law in 2022 by the late former president Muhammadu Buhari. It was expected to deal with the issue of inadequate funding of the agriculture sector.

This new bill seeks to amend the establishment act to expand sources for sustainable funding, define clearer mechanisms for fund allocation and management, and broaden the activities of the institution. 

The National Farm Settlement Agency Establishment Act seeks to create an agency for developing and managing farm settlements and agro-village clusters. It will oversee agro-allied industrial processing zones planning and support youth and women participation in farming in the country. 

The National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute will support Nigeria’s rice self-sufficiency drive and offer a regional hub for rice research collaborations with local and international partners.