Agric reforms: Nigeria must invest substantially in research & devt — Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday underscored the need for Nigeria to implement decisive reforms to find sustainable solutions for national development, particularly in the agricultural sector.

Hon. Abass, who stated this in Abuja while declaring open the public hearing on 11 bills organised by the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, emphasised the need to invest substantially in research and development.

The Speaker, who was represented by the Deputy Majority Whip, Hon. Ayokunle Isiaka, observed that the 11 bills, which focused on the establishment of various agriculture-related institutions, “speak to our collective ambition to restructure the country’s agricultural framework through legal instruments that can effectively modernise and revitalise the sector.”

“To be clear, ladies and gentlemen, our royal fathers here present, the legislative pursuits through public hearings and other legislative processes underscore the focus of our legislative agenda in the area of agricultural research and education as central pillars of national development, particularly in a sector defined by volatile food security, climate challenges, and evolving global markets, the stages progress.”

“It is important to emphasise that each of the proposed bills encapsulates a forward-looking vision of agriculture as a strategic force, no longer tethered to archaic systems, but poised for transformation through innovation and inclusive economic participation.

“When enacted into law, these instruments will signify Nigeria’s fair memories of scientific methodologies, digital integration, and evidence-based policy in the pursuit of reproductive and good number of countries that have attained a significant leap in agro-development. These countries that have attained global respect in agricultural transformation are driven by investing substantially in research and development.

“I’m firmly convinced that the passage of these bills will invigorate our agricultural institutions by providing them with a robust legal and additional framework. Strengthening research centres will unlock new insights in crop production, pest control, and climate-smart agriculture. Expanding extension services will bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that innovations reach the grassroots.

“Enhanced farmer engagement will not only boost productivity but also lead to improved livelihoods, healthier soils, and rural development outcomes. By building institutional capacity, we are also investing in future generations of economic scientists and policy experts who will sustain this momentum.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, expressed optimism that Nigeria’s agricultural sector could metamorphose into the backbone of the economy by incorporating the right strategy.

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He said: “Back in the 60s and 70s, our beloved country was among the major exporters of agricultural produce such as cocoa, cotton, palm oil, and groundnuts, etc. However, after the discovery of crude oil, we largely neglected this lucrative sector and became highly dependent on oil due to its quick inflow of foreign exchange.

“The devastating effect of this action is still affecting us as a nation to date. Nevertheless, it is never too late to undo our mistake and set our nation on the right trajectory to economic buoyancy.

“By incorporating the right strategy, our agricultural sector can metamorphose into becoming the backbone of our economy, the heart of our rural communities, and the source of sustenance for every citizen.

“With a population size of over 220 million and still growing, the nation is desirous of more agricultural colleges and research institutions that will help proffer solutions to issues such as climate change, insecurity, pest outbreaks, soil degradation, unskilled labourers, livestock management, etc.

“I am positive that establishing more agricultural colleges and institutions will drive specialisation and dedication to agricultural excellence. Other tangible benefits of the establishment bills include creating jobs for our teeming youth through various value chains; Centres of Learning – Equipping students with modern, science-based agricultural skills in crop production, livestock management, agribusiness, and environmental stewardship; Hubs of Innovation – Conducting research to improve yields, and enhance farming systems to meet global standards.

“Catalysts for Rural Development – supporting local agribusiness; and nurturing entrepreneurs who will drive sustainable development from the ground up; Bridge Gap Between Tradition and Technology – Preserving indigenous knowledge whilst also introducing cutting-edge technologies like precision farming, biotechnology, and modern irrigation systems, etc.

“I envision these colleges not as isolated institutions but as networks — collaborating with other agricultural institutions, ministries, and the private sector — to ensure their teachings are practical, market-relevant, and future-facing.

“To our youth: these colleges represent opportunity. To our farmers, they represent support. And to our nation, they represent a pathway to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.”

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