Food Security:FG to review country agricultural laws

Category: Agriculture |

The Federal Government of Nigeria has embarked on a comprehensive review of the nation's agricultural laws, a move aimed at modernizing outdated legal frameworks in order to stimulate agricultural development, boost food and nutrition security, and align national policies with current realities such as climate change, insecurity, and the high cost of inputs. Speaking at a stakeholders' workshop in Abuja, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized that many of these laws were enacted decades ago and no longer reflect the dynamic shifts in the sector—from traditional farming to mechanized systems, diversified crops and livestock, and the increasing involvement of women and youth. He highlighted ongoing government initiatives focused on improving access to finance, technology, and training for smallholder farmers, as well as the prioritization of gender equality in agriculture. The Minister also revealed that the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act would be a cornerstone of President Tinubu’s Cooperative Revamp and Reform Initiative, under the Renewed Hope Agenda. In support of the initiative, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, stated that a strong legal foundation is vital for the growth of a resilient agricultural economy. Similarly, Mr. Isimbabi Garba, Director of Legal Services, described the reforms as a critical step toward achieving a more productive, inclusive, and sustainable agricultural sector capable of attracting investment, supporting small-scale farmers, and ensuring national food security.