Agric Sector Growth Stunted By Absence Of Clear Legal Framework— Minister
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), in collaboration with stakeholders, has commenced a review of outdated agricultural laws to promote sustainable practices, enhance food security, and align Nigeria’s farming systems with modern realities.
At a workshop held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, said the initiative is aimed at overhauling the legal framework that governs Nigeria’s agriculture to support food sufficiency, climate adaptation, and economic growth.
“The agriculture sector in Nigeria is undergoing dynamism through its diverse production systems, evolving extension services and response to climate change,” he said, noting that the country has witnessed a shift from traditional practices to modern farming techniques, crop and livestock diversification, and climate-smart agriculture.
He emphasized that without legal reform, the sector cannot industrialize.
“Nigeria cannot grow its agricultural sector into an industrial phase without an effective legal framework.
“The purpose of this workshop is, therefore, to initiate the process of amending all relevant agricultural laws to make them more conducive to agricultural business growth,” he said.
Abdullahi identified the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act as a critical priority, saying: “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 reiterated that the government’s approach to agricultural development involves multiple layers including policy design, financial support, and infrastructure development.
“The Federal Government’s approach to agriculture is multifaceted, encompassing policy development, financial support and infrastructural development.
“The goal is to create a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute to food security, economic growth, and overall well-being of Nigerians,” Abdullahi said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, emphasized the need to address issues such as land tenure, agricultural financing, quality control of seeds and fertilizers, and food safety regulations.
He also stressed the inclusion of smallholder farmers, women, and youth in policy design, describing the legal review as a step toward integrating the innovations and contributions of underserved groups.
Stakeholders present at the event included representatives of the All Farmers Associations of Nigeria (AFAN), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the Cooperatives Association of Nigeria.
Agric Sector Growth Stunted By Absence Of Clear Legal Framework— Minister is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
