By Henry Umoru

ABUJA — A bill seeking the establishment of the National Rice Development Council to drive the comprehensive development of Nigeria’s rice sector has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate.

The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Rice Development Council of Nigeria to provide guidance on Rice Research, comprehensive development of the rice sector, and the organization of rice stakeholders to enhance local production of rice in Nigeria and for related matters, 2025 (SB. 541),” aims to coordinate activities among rice farmers, processors, millers, researchers, and marketers to optimize the entire rice value chain.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Agriculture for further legislative scrutiny.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central), was initially passed by the 9th Senate and forwarded to the President in 2023, but it did not receive assent before the transition to the current administration.

Presenting the lead debate, Aliero highlighted Nigeria’s natural comparative advantage in rice production and underscored the urgent need for a structured body to guide the sector towards self-sufficiency and export readiness.

“The National Rice Development Council Bill seeks to establish a platform that would lead to a comprehensive development of the rice sector and the organization of rice stakeholders to enhance local production of rice in Nigeria,” Aliero said.

He emphasized the fragmented nature of the rice industry, noting the existence of multiple associations such as the Paddy Rice Dealers Association of Nigeria, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rice Processors Association of Nigeria, Rice Millers of Nigeria, Women Farmers Advancement Network, Ofada Rice Producers, Abakaliki Rice Producers Association, and Women in Rice Platform, without any central coordinating structure.

“This bill, therefore, seeks to establish that rallying point and a comprehensive national operational and governance structure for a complete rice value chain process in the country,” he added.

Aliero further detailed the anticipated benefits of establishing the Council, including:

Improved Rice Production: Coordinated research, development, training, and dissemination of best practices are expected to boost rice yields and quality.

Increased Farmers’ Income: Enhancing production efficiency, cutting costs, and improving market access would raise farmers’ earnings.

Enhanced Food Security: A stable rice supply chain is critical to feeding the Nigerian population.

Industry Regulation: The Council would standardize quality, monitor production, and prevent adulteration.

Market Development: The Council aims to promote Nigerian rice, explore new markets, and negotiate trade agreements.

Job Creation: Expanding the rice industry would generate employment across farming, processing, milling, and marketing.

Economic Growth: Development of the rice sector would contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP.

Self-Sufficiency: Reducing dependency on imported rice could save Nigeria approximately $2.5 billion annually.

The lawmaker argued that the framework would not only attract investments into the sector but also bridge the gap between production and industrialization. It would also reduce rural-urban migration and enhance socio-economic activities nationwide.

He concluded, “Rice is one of the most important staples in our national diet, and its development can bring numerous benefits to the economy. Establishing a National Rice Development Council will drive the growth and sustainability of the rice industry, making Nigeria not only self-sufficient but also a major exporter in the global market.”

The bill now awaits further consideration by the Committee on Agriculture before it returns for a third reading in the Senate.