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By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigeria continues to grapple with the instability of an oil-dependent economy, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has said agriculture stands out as the most promising path to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Speaking through Deputy Chief Whip, Rep. Ibrahim Isiaka, at a public hearing on 11 agricultural bills held Monday at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Speaker Abbas ememphasised the critical need to prioritise agriculture.
He noted that strengthening and expanding agricultural research institutions nationwide is not just a matter of policy but a strategic imperative in building economic resilience and securing the country’s future.
“There are a 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. Brazil’s Embrapa, for instance, reengineered an infertile savannah into a global food hub.
“Vietnam’s targeted agricultural reforms pulled vast populations out of poverty. Israel continues to innovate in arid-zone agriculture through technology-driven methods. Nigeria, blessed with expansive arable land, a youthful farming population, indigenous knowledge systems, and an emerging tech ecosystem, stands at the cusp of replicating and even surpassing such success stories if we act decisively.
“I am firmly convinced that the passage of these bills will invigorate our agricultural institutions by providing them with a robust legal and operational 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 agronomists, scientists, and policy experts who will sustain this momentum. These are the issues to be considered as we make our contributions to these bills,” he said.
Earlier, in his remarks, the committee’s chairman, Rep. Isiaq Akinlade said with a population size of over 220million and still growing, Nigeria was desirous of more agricultural colleges and research institutions that will help proffer solutions to issues namely, climate change, insecurity, pest outbreaks, soil degradation, unskilled laborers, livestock management amongst others.
“I am positive that establishing more agricultural colleges and institutions will drive specialization and dedication to agricultural excellence. Other tangible benefits of the Establishment Bills are to:create jobs for our teeming youths through its various value chain.
“Centers 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, 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 agric 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, it represents support. And to our nation, it represents a pathway to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability,” he noted.
