The Nigerian Government has commenced a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s agricultural laws to drive sectoral development and improve food and nutrition security nationwide.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, disclosed this on Monday at the opening of a stakeholders’ workshop on the Nigeria Agricultural Laws Reform, held in Abuja.
Abdullahi explained that many of the laws currently under review or proposed for amendment were enacted decades ago and were originally intended to serve as legal frameworks for advancing agricultural development.
“The sector’s dynamism is evident in the shift from traditional farming practices to more modern techniques, diversification of crops and livestock, and adaptation to changing weather patterns,” he noted.
He further highlighted persistent challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and the high cost of inputs, all of which continue to hamper the efficiency and productivity of the sector.
“In view of the above, it is imperative to formulate legal frameworks to facilitate the key aspects of improvement in Nigerian agriculture aimed at addressing the problems affecting the sector,” he added.
The minister reaffirmed that various government policies and initiatives are being implemented to boost agricultural production to meet the demands of Nigeria’s growing population. He added that targeted support for smallholder farmers including access to finance, training, and technology was also underway.
Abdullahi also noted an increasing awareness of the need to address gender disparities in agriculture by empowering women to participate in decision-making processes and gain equal access to resources.
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He described the review of the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act as a priority, saying it is expected to be part of President Bola Tinubu’s legacy under the Cooperative Revamp and Reform Initiative.
According to him, the Federal Government’s approach is multi-dimensional, combining policy development, financial support, and infrastructural investment.
“The goal is to create a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute to food security, economic growth, and the overall well-being of Nigerians. Some of these laws have, however, become obsolete, archaic and outdated, necessitating this assignment,” he said.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, emphasised the need for a strong and effective legal framework to support sustainable agricultural development.
Earlier, Mr Isimbabi Garba, Director of Legal Services in the ministry, underscored the urgency of reforming Nigeria’s legal structure to align with a modern, resilient, and growth-oriented agricultural economy.
Garba said the workshop marked a critical step towards enhancing food security and strengthening the sector.
“Agricultural law reform is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, food security, and sustainable development. The law plays a significant role in shaping the agricultural sector, and updating our laws will help us address emerging challenges and opportunities,” he said.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, and reforming our laws will help us enhance productivity and efficiency, promote sustainable practices, support small-scale farmers, attract investments, and improve food security,” he added.
He noted that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the ministry is taking bold and timely action to ensure that Nigeria’s legal frameworks reflect both current realities and future aspirations.
