Legal reforms will prevent rejection of agric produce, products – Minister

Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, has said the ongoing review of laws that impact agriculture, including those that are directly and tangentially related to the sector, will go a long way in curbing the rejection of agricultural products at international markets

The minister, who spoke with Journalists at the Stakeholders Workshop on the Review of Existing Agricultural Laws in Abuja on Monday, said the Ministry is reviewing laws that impact agriculture, including those that are directly and tangentially related to the sector.

Among the laws being reviewed are the Veterinary Surgeons Act, National Sugar Development Council Act 2015, National Agricultural Seeds Council Act 2019 and National Fertiliser Quality Control Act, among others

According to Abdullahi, “A strong and robust legal framework is very crucial for the Agricultural sector, providing a foundation for land ownership, access to finance and the regulation of essential inputs like seeds and fertilisers. It also protects farmers’ rights, promotes sustainable practices and fosters investment and innovation within the sector.”

He emphasised that a clear and properly enforced legal framework encourages both private investment in agriculture by reducing risks and uncertainties through insurance and other mitigation policies

Abdullahi explained that the review of agricultural laws would help address the rejection of Nigerian agricultural products in European and other foreign markets.

“By having laws that are direct, intentional, and purposeful, guiding farmers on what to do and what not to do, it will not only help the farmers but will also boost investment in the sector. He added that the current laws cannot encourage investment.

“We require funding. Government cannot fund investment in agriculture alone, so you require private sector participation”, he noted.

Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary to the Ministry, added that “A strong and robust legal framework is very crucial for the agricultural sector to improve.”

Isimbabi Garba, Director of Legal Services at the Ministry, said, “Agricultural law reform is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, food security, and sustainable development.”

Presenting an overview of the reforms being made, Emeka Ogenyi, Lead Partner at Think Field Law, said, “Most of the sections do not take into account the current realities we are having today in terms of agri-technology, climate change, even all the opportunities arising from technology.”

He said the Ministry had collected 28 agriculture-related laws and had done extensive reviews on 12 of them. “We have agreed as a team that after this workshop, all the proposed amendments we have suggested, we will forward them to stakeholders to also make their inputs,” he said.

The review of agricultural laws in Nigeria is a crucial step towards boosting international trade and promoting economic growth.

As Garba noted, “This effort is not just about rewriting laws; it is about rethinking the foundation upon which our food systems, rural livelihoods, and national prosperity rest. With the support of stakeholders, Nigeria can develop a robust legal framework that promotes sustainable agriculture and improves food security.