National Assembly Partners to Enhance Nigeria's Food Security

The National Assembly, alongside agricultural institutions, is partnering to improve food security in Nigeria. Sharafadeen Alli, the Senate Committee Chairman on Agriculture, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, announced this collaboration during a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists' secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The partnership aims to assist farmers with land preparation, cultivation, harvest, and market access while introducing solar-powered dryers to reduce post-harvest losses. Alli highlighted the disconnect between farmers and modern agricultural innovations despite significant breakthroughs in research.

He pointed out the decline of Nigeria's agricultural dominance, citing examples of improved cocoa and cassava varieties developed through research. Akeem Aba, the NUJ Chairman, commended Alli for championing reforms to strengthen agricultural institutions.

Prof. Moham Atanda, Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, and Adedeji Rashe, Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, called for increased private sector participation and funding for agricultural research to combat rising food prices and declining agricultural productivity.