The National Assembly, as well as agricultural colleges and research institutions, have expressed their readiness to collaborate on food security, agricultural research, and the development of supportive legislation aimed at enhancing food production in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, disclosed this during a press conference held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, said partnerships had already been initiated with development organisations to support farmers with land preparation, cultivation, harvesting, and market access.
He added that plans were also underway to reduce post-harvest losses through the introduction of solar-powered dryers for agricultural produce.
According to the lawmaker, many farmers remain disconnected from the agricultural innovations developed by Nigerian research institutions, despite significant breakthroughs being recorded in the sector.
“Many farmers remain disconnected from modern agricultural innovations despite several breakthroughs recorded by Nigerian research institutions. We must have the right kind of legislation in place to assist our institutions, improve curriculum, encourage collaboration and strengthen food security.”
Alli stressed that research remains central to agricultural development, noting that farming without research would amount to guesswork.
He said Nigerian researchers had developed improved crop varieties capable of increasing food production and boosting farmers’ incomes.
The senator cited improved cocoa and cassava varieties produced through research efforts, but expressed concern that many local farmers were still unaware of these innovations.
He also lamented Nigeria’s decline in agricultural competitiveness despite the country’s history in agricultural research and commodity production.
Alli recalled that Malaysia sourced oil palm seedlings from Nigeria decades ago, but has since surpassed Nigeria in global palm oil production.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State NUJ, Akeem Abas, commended Alli for championing reforms aimed at repositioning agricultural institutions and improving food security.
Abas said the large turnout of journalists from different media organisations reflected growing national interest in agricultural reforms and food security initiatives.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Professor Mohammed Atanda, said Nigerian agricultural research institutes possess highly skilled personnel and globally competitive innovations but require stronger coordination and support.
The Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Adedeji Rasheed, called for increased private-sector participation in agricultural research funding.
Rasheed said the government alone could not adequately fund agricultural research institutions and urged stakeholders benefiting from agricultural products to invest in research and development.
Nigeria continues to face rising food prices and declining agricultural productivity, with experts calling for increased investment in research, mechanisation, and extension services to strengthen food security and improve local production.
