The federal government of Nigeria has initiated a review of the country’s agricultural legislation in a bid to promote the development of the sector and improve national food and nutrition security.
Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, made this known on Monday during a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, convened to gather input on the reform of Nigeria’s agricultural laws.
He noted that many of the existing laws are outdated, having been enacted several decades ago, and are no longer adequate for addressing the evolving challenges of modern agriculture.
“The agricultural sector has undergone significant changes, shifting from traditional methods to more modern approaches, crop and livestock diversification, and climate adaptation strategies,” Abdullahi said.
He added that persistent challenges such as insecurity, climate change, and rising costs of farm inputs continue to negatively impact agricultural productivity, making it urgent to update the legal frameworks guiding the sector.
According to the minister, the federal government’s current policies are focused on boosting food production to meet the growing demands of the population, with specific efforts targeted at smallholder farmers through access to funding, technology, and training opportunities.
Abdullahi also acknowledged the need to tackle gender disparities in agriculture by empowering women to play more active roles in decision-making and improving their access to vital resources.
A key focus of the reform is the Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act, which Abdullahi described as a priority. He said the review aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Cooperative Revamp and Reform Initiative, and would feature prominently among the president’s legacy achievements.
He further explained that the government’s approach to agriculture is comprehensive, encompassing legislation, financial support, and infrastructure development.
Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, described a strong legal framework as fundamental to the growth and transformation of agriculture in Nigeria.
Similarly, Mr Isimbabi Garba, Director of Legal Services in the Ministry, stressed the importance of legal reform in building a modern and resilient agricultural system.
He said the ongoing process represents a crucial milestone in reinforcing Nigeria’s agricultural base and securing long-term food stability.
“Reforming our agricultural laws is essential not just for food security, but for economic growth and sustainable development. Updated laws will improve productivity, attract investment, support small-scale farmers, and encourage environmentally friendly practices,” Garba said.
He added that under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Ministry is determined to ensure that Nigeria’s agricultural laws reflect present-day realities and future aspirations.
