A bill for an act to establish National Tea and Coffee Development Council has passed second reading at the Senate on Thursday.
The bill sponsored by Yusuf Yusuf (APC Taraba Central), seeks to develop and promote growth, production and marketing of tea and coffee in Nigeria.
In his lead debate, Yusuf said if passed into law it would enhance a rapid economy diversification of the agricultural sector and enhance revenue to the government.
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He said it would improve the performance and growth of the nation’s economy, as well as reduce the over-dependence on oil export earnings.
He argued that some parts of the country were favourably endowed with suitable climate and soil condition that could be harnessed for commercial cultivation of coffee.
He stated that states like Taraba, Plateau, and Cross River were blessed with suitable climate and soil conditions that could be harnessed for commercial cultivation of tea, especially around the Mambilla, Jos, Plateau and Obudu Ranch.
