Barau’s Agricultural Revolution Bill Scales Second Reading in Senate
A bill sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, seeking to transform and modernise Nigeria’s agricultural sector has scaled second reading in the Senate.
The proposed legislation, which seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for agricultural development, food security, mechanisation, irrigation, financing and agro-industrialisation, was considered during Wednesday’s plenary presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Leading the debate, Senator Barau explained that the bill was designed to introduce far-reaching reforms into the agricultural sector and reposition Nigeria for an agricultural revolution.
He recalled the country’s prosperous agricultural era, noting that the sector’s decline was largely caused by the collapse of production systems that previously supplied industries with essential raw materials.
Describing the current administration as reform-oriented, Barau said the proposed legislation would complement President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to stimulate economic growth across various sectors.
He emphasised that national development should not be left to the President alone, stressing that the legislature and other stakeholders must contribute to achieving the country’s development objectives.
According to him, the bill seeks to fundamentally change Nigeria’s approach to agriculture by addressing existing challenges and introducing reforms capable of improving productivity.
Barau also expressed confidence that the legislative process would generate meaningful discussions and attract contributions from stakeholders with relevant expertise.
Seconding the bill, Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, said its passage would establish the necessary legal framework for transforming agriculture and diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
Other senators who supported the proposed legislation included Babangida Hussaini (Jigawa North-West), Anthony Okorie Ani (Ebonyi South) and Adeniyi Adegbonmire Ayodele (Ondo Central).
Senator Ani, a professor of Agricultural Extension, and other contributors commended Barau for sponsoring the bill, describing it as a comprehensive initiative that addresses critical areas of agricultural development.
Following deliberations, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committees on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, and Agricultural Colleges and Institutions for further legislative scrutiny.
The committees were given four weeks to submit their reports to the Senate.
