A Bill to regulate the agricultural sector passed second reading in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The Bill, titled “Nigeria Agricultural Associations Bill, 2016, sponsored by Rep. Abubakar
Amuda-Kannike (APC-Kwara), seeks to enhance the performance of agricultural organisations across the country.
Debating the bill on the floor of the house, Amuda-Kannike said relevant professional bodies and stakeholders in the agriculture sector should be supported by Federal Government.
He proposed that the Minister of Agriculture should set up a committee comprised of all stakeholders so that matters relating to optimum performance of the country’s agriculture sector would be
addressed.
He said “it is apparent that there is obvious need not to leave any stone unturned in the bid to revitalise agriculture in Nigeria.
“I urge you all to support this Bill and to consider it as another attempt to help strategise agriculture as an alternative to oil.”
Amuda-Kannike also suggested that a new department should be established for registration of agricultural associations in the country.
According to him, the department, which will be headed by a registrar, will serve as a liaison between the government and the associations, as well as other stakeholders.
The Bill was unanimously adopted by members through a voice vote when the Speaker,
Yakubu Dogara, who presided over the plenary put it to question. (NAN)