***Bill Passes Second Reading, Aims to Boost Local Agriculture, Save Foreign Exchange
A bill seeking to mandate the inclusion of high-quality cassava flour in edible wheat flour production has passed its second reading at the Senate.
Sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara South), the bill proposes that all producers of edible flour in Nigeria or those importing wheat flour include at least 20% cassava flour in their products.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, directing it to report back within four weeks.
Leading the debate, Senator Mustapha highlighted the need to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported wheat, which costs the nation over $3 billion annually.
He emphasized that the over-reliance on wheat imports negatively impacts the economy by creating trade imbalances, depleting foreign reserves, and fostering food dependency.
“By including cassava in wheat flour production, this bill will reduce import costs, stimulate job creation in agriculture, and enhance Nigeria’s cassava market share in foreign exchange earnings,” Mustapha stated.
The bill received overwhelming support from senators, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who described it as being in the “national interest.” Jibrin argued that implementing the cassava-wheat blend would increase cassava production, boost farmers’ incomes, and conserve foreign exchange.
“This legislation will enforce the inclusion of cassava in flour production, as bakers have previously refused to adhere despite expert studies proving its benefits,” Jibrin said. “It’s simple—using 20% cassava will cut our wheat import costs and help the economy.”
Former Senate President Ahmed Lawan recalled initiatives by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to promote cassava bread, urging the current government to embrace economic diversification through agricultural innovation.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Mustapha, also noted that enforcing cassava inclusion in flour production would alleviate poverty through job creation in the agricultural sector and enhance cassava farming
It will alsobStrengthen food security and drive economic growth.
If enacted, the bill could revolutionize the agriculture sector by increasing cassava demand and reducing Nigeria’s wheat import dependency, aligning with the government’s efforts to diversify the economy and promote local production.
The Senate is expected to review the Committee on Agriculture’s report in the coming weeks.