The Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, has called for sustained and strategic funding to increase rice yield and close Nigeria’s food production gaps.
Abdullahi made the call on Monday at a public hearing on three agriculture-related bills organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services in Abuja.
The bills under consideration include: A Bill to Amend the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) Act, 2025 (HB 2036) — aimed at strengthening financial support for the agricultural sector; A Bill to Establish the National Farm Settlements Agency (HB 1347) — to promote agricultural development, ensure food security, and foster economic growth; and a Bill to Establish the National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute, Argungu, Kebbi State (HB 423) — to drive self-sufficiency in rice production.
The minister identified low yield as one of Nigeria’s biggest constraints to achieving food security, especially in rice production.
“Our rice yield averages between 4.5 to 5 tonnes per hectare, with the best farmers achieving about six. But in countries with more advanced production systems, yields range between 9 and 12 tonnes,” Abdullahi said.
“If we can focus on funding processes that double our yields to about 7 or 8 tonnes per hectare, Nigeria’s current 22 million metric tonnes rice demand — with a 2 million deficit — can easily be met.”
Abdullahi urged lawmakers to prioritize strengthening existing agricultural research institutions rather than creating new ones that could become “employment centres.”
“We need to rethink our strategy,” he cautioned. “Instead of opening more centres, let’s make the existing ones work effectively. If our research institutes are empowered to perform optimally, our farmers will produce more, and the nation will benefit.”
He also cited cassava as another example of untapped yield potential.
“Nigeria has been the world’s top cassava producer for over 30 years, yet our average yield is about 11 tonnes per hectare — far below the 49-tonne potential. If we even double it to 22 tonnes, output could rise from 60 million to 120 million tonnes, or even 180 million if tripled. That would transform our economy.”
While expressing general support for the proposed legislation, Abdullahi said the Ministry and its agencies were in alignment with most of the bills’ provisions but would work with lawmakers to refine some administrative aspects to ensure coherence with existing laws and national programmes.
“We are aligned in principle,” he said. “However, we must ensure that these laws complement ongoing government investments and align with the objectives of the National Agricultural Development Fund.”
In his remarks, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bello Kaoje, said agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and the key to inclusive growth and poverty reduction.
“Achieving food security and competitiveness requires sound policies supported by effective legislation,” Kaoje said.
“This hearing provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to share insights that will help us refine these bills to make them practical, forward-looking, and beneficial to all segments of the sector.”
Declaring the hearing open, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, represented by Hon. Ayokunle Isiaka, said the proposed bills reflect the legislature’s commitment to building a self-reliant agricultural sector.
“They represent a blueprint for a more secure Nigeria and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the declaration of a State of Emergency on Food Security,” the Speaker said.
“Our collective goal is to harness Nigeria’s vast agricultural potential to drive productivity, ensure food security, and uplift every citizen.”
The Speaker urged stakeholders to actively engage in the legislative process to help shape effective, evidence-based laws capable of transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
