By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday called for the need for Nigeria to implement decisive reforms to find sustainable solutions for national development, particularly in the agricultural sector.

The Speak also stressed the need to speak to collective ambition to restructure the country’s agricultural framework through legal instruments that can effectively modernise and revitalise the sector.A

Abass, stated this in Abuja while declaring open the public hearing on 11 bills organised by the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions.

He also emphasised the need to invest substantially in research and development while lauding the Committee for its persistence in strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural research and education system.

He said: “The persistence and diligence of the Committee to fortify our nation’s agricultural research architecture, enhance food systems, and amplify extension services through their oversight functions constitute the hallmark of legislative practice,” he stated.

The Speaker underscored the significance of the eleven Bills under review by the Committee, describing them as “a clear indication that the 10th House of Representatives remains resolute in its drive to actualize meaningful governance through responsive and visionary legislation.”

He emphasized that agricultural research and education must become central pillars of national development, especially in the face of rising food insecurity and climate challenges.

“Each of the proposed Bills encapsulates a forward-looking vision of agriculture as a strategic force, no longer tethered to archaic systems but poised for transformation through innovation and inclusive economic participation,” Abbas said.

Drawing lessons from global success stories, Abbas cited Brazil, Vietnam, and Israel as examples of how investment in agricultural research has led to significant national transformation. He maintained that Nigeria, with its vast arable land and emerging tech ecosystem, has the potential to achieve even more.

“Brazil’s Embrapa reengineered an infertile savannah into a global food hub. Vietnam’s targeted reforms lifted millions out of poverty. Israel leads in arid-zone agriculture through tech-driven methods. Nigeria stands at the cusp of replicating and even surpassing these success stories if we act decisively,” he asserted.

The Speaker expressed confidence that the passage of the Bills would invigorate agricultural institutions and boost grassroots engagement.

“Expanding extension services will bridge the gap between research and practice. Enhanced farmer engagement will lead to improved livelihoods, healthier soils, and rural development outcomes,” he added.

Abbas also called for sustainable frameworks for funding, oversight, and public-private partnerships to ensure the long-term impact of the reforms.

“We must not only legislate but also build frameworks for monitoring and evaluating their impact. Legislative intent must be matched by executive efficiency and community engagement,” he urged.

The Speaker charged the stakeholders to approach the deliberations with “clarity of purpose, intellectual rigour, and a shared resolve to position agriculture as the backbone of our national prosperity.”

He then formally declared the public hearing open, pledging to give due attention to the Committee’s report in subsequent legislative processes.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, expressed optimism that Nigeria’s agricultural sector could metamorphose into the backbone of the economy by incorporating the right strategy.

He said: “Back in the 60s and 70s, our beloved country was among the major exporters of agricultural produce such as cocoa, cotton, palm oil, and groundnuts, etc. However, after the discovery of crude oil, we largely neglected this lucrative sector and became highly dependent on oil due to its quick inflow of foreign exchange.

“The devastating effect of this action is still affecting us as a nation to date. Nevertheless, it is never too late to undo our mistake and set our nation on the right trajectory to economic buoyancy.

“By incorporating the right strategy, our agricultural sector can metamorphose into becoming the backbone of our economy, the heart of our rural communities, and the source of sustenance for every citizen.

“With a population size of over 220 million and still growing, the nation is desirous of more agricultural colleges and research institutions that will help proffer solutions to issues such as climate change, insecurity, pest outbreaks, soil degradation, unskilled labourers, livestock management, etc.

“I am positive that establishing more agricultural colleges and institutions will drive specialisation and dedication to agricultural excellence. Other tangible benefits of the establishment bills include creating jobs for our teeming youth through various value chains; Centres of Learning – Equipping students with modern, science-based agricultural skills in crop production, livestock management, agribusiness, and environmental stewardship; Hubs of Innovation – Conducting research to improve yields, and enhance farming systems to meet global standards.

“Catalysts for Rural Development – supporting local agribusiness; and nurturing entrepreneurs who will drive sustainable development from the ground up; Bridge Gap Between Tradition and Technology – Preserving indigenous knowledge whilst also introducing cutting-edge technologies like precision farming, biotechnology, and modern irrigation systems and more.

“I envision these colleges not as isolated institutions but as networks — collaborating with other agricultural institutions, ministries, and the private sector — to ensure their teachings are practical, market-relevant, and future-facing.

“To our youth: these colleges represent opportunity. To our farmers, they represent support. And to our nation, they represent a pathway to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.”