The Federal Government has moved to overhaul Nigeria’s agricultural laws as part of efforts to bring the sector’s legal framework in line with current realities and create a stronger foundation for food production and agribusiness investment.
The second phase of the review began with a stakeholders’ technical retreat, where government officials, lawmakers, legal experts and representatives of relevant agencies examined proposed changes to the country’s 18 agricultural laws.
The Director of Legal Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hafsat Dupe Belgore, represented by the Assistant Legal Adviser, Manbyen Mamvong, said the review became necessary because several existing provisions had become outdated or no longer adequately addressed developments in the sector.
She said the first phase of the exercise examined existing agricultural legislation and identified obsolete provisions, overlapping responsibilities and regulatory gaps.
The review also highlighted areas requiring stronger legal backing, including climate change, mechanisation, agricultural technology, private-sector investment and changes in food systems.
Belgore said the latest phase would focus on testing the proposed reforms against the realities of the sector, incorporating inputs from stakeholders and ensuring consistency with national laws, the Renewed Hope Agenda and international best practices.
“This session is therefore not a repetition, but a consolidation. We are here to refine, to interrogate draft provisions, and to ensure that the new legal framework we are crafting is practical, enforceable, inclusive, and capable of driving Nigeria towards food sovereignty and agribusiness-led economic growth,” she said.
She urged participants to critically examine the proposals and contribute practical recommendations that could be reflected in the final drafts.
Chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Production Services, Bello Ka’oje, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Kelechi Nwogu, said the review would help ensure that agricultural legislation keeps pace with emerging opportunities and challenges.
He assured that the National Assembly would work with the ministry and other stakeholders to translate the outcome of the review into effective legislation.
The Consultant and Lead Partner, Thinkfield Law, Emeka Ogenyi, said the retreat would provide an opportunity to validate proposed amendments and incorporate approved recommendations before the harmonised document is submitted to the Ministry of Justice for legal drafting.
He said the proposed changes were expected to provide a more coherent legal foundation for agricultural development and investment.
The retreat attracted members of the National Assembly, representatives of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Ministry of Justice, ministry officials, agencies, legal practitioners and other stakeholders.
