Barau’s Agricultural Revolution Bill Scales Second Reading Amid Senators’ Overwhelming Support

Barau’s Agricultural Revolution Bill Scales Second Reading Amid Senators’ Overwhelming Support

Abuja (Core Reporters) – A bill sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, seeking to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the transformation and modernisation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, has scaled second reading in the Senate amid overwhelming support from lawmakers.

The bill was considered during Wednesday’s plenary, presided over by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Leading the debate on the proposed legislation, titled A Bill for an Act to Provide a Comprehensive Legal Framework for the Transformation and Modernisation of Agriculture in Nigeria, Senator Barau said the initiative was designed to introduce far-reaching reforms, boost food security, improve agricultural productivity and set the country on the path to an agricultural revolution.

He said the legislation would address critical areas, including mechanisation, irrigation, agricultural financing, agro-industrialisation, rural development and climate-resilient farming.

Recalling Nigeria’s glorious agricultural past, Barau attributed the decline of the sector to the collapse of production systems that once supplied local industries with essential raw materials.

He described the present administration as reform-oriented, noting that the proposed legislation was intended to complement the Federal Government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth across different sectors.

The Deputy Senate President, however, maintained that national development should not be left to the President alone, stressing that all arms of government and relevant stakeholders had a responsibility to support the reform agenda.

“This is a reforming government. The government is making changes and introducing reforms across different sectors. I acknowledge that the President is doing well in pursuing reforms in various aspects of our national life.

“However, we cannot leave everything to the President alone. Government is a collaborative undertaking, and we all have a responsibility to complement what the President is doing.

“That is why I have introduced this bill. A lot of thought and effort have gone into its preparation. The objective is to examine the agricultural sector, introduce the necessary changes and bring about a revolution in the sector,” he said.

Barau explained that the proposed reforms would fundamentally change Nigeria’s approach to agriculture, adding that the legislative process would provide an opportunity for stakeholders and experts to contribute ideas towards repositioning the sector.

Seconding the bill, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, said its passage would provide the necessary legal framework for transforming agriculture and diversifying the nation’s economy.

Also supporting the proposed legislation were Senators Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), Anthony Okorie Ani (Ebonyi South), a professor of Agricultural Extension, and Adeniyi Adegbonmire Ayodele (Ondo Central).

The lawmakers commended Barau for the initiative, observing that the bill comprehensively addressed critical challenges confronting the agricultural sector and offered a framework for sustainable development.

Following the debate, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committees on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, and Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, for further legislative scrutiny.

He directed the committees to submit their reports within four weeks.