By Paul Effiong, Abuja
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudden Abbas has urged robust and vibrant contributions from stakeholders in agricultural and research institutions to ensure a formidable digital and legal framework across Nigeria.
Speaker Abbas made the appeal yesterday during a one-day public hearing organised by the House Committee on Agriculture, Colleges and Institutions at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.
Commending the committee for a job well done, Abbas expressed hope that the 11 proposed legislations, when passed into law, would add positive value to all agricultural research institutions in the country.
The speaker, who was represented by Isiaka Ibrahim, noted that the 11 bills under consideration shows that the 10th House is fully determined to move Nigeria from the current economic stage to an era of plenty, which he said is in tandem with the federal government’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’
In his presentation, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, Colleges and Institutions, Isiaq Akinlade said the 11 bills are crucial.
The lawmaker explained that the event was an avenue to share ideas, as well as deliberate with lawmakers to make informed decisions in the public’s best interest.
The lawmaker pointed out that by incorporating the right strategy, Nigeria could improve the agricultural sector, as well as make it metamorphose into the backbone of the economy, the heart of our rural communities, as well as a viable source of sustenance for every citizen.
Giving justification for the proposed legal framework, the committee explained that Nigeria with a current population of over 220 million and still growing, is desirous of more agricultural colleges and research institutions that will help proffer solutions to issues namely climate change, insecurity, pest outbreaks, soil degradation, unskilled labourers and livestock management among others.
He maintained that establishing more agricultural colleges and institutions across the country would drive specialisation and dedication to agricultural excellence.
