The Nigerian Senate has moved to support the agricultural sector as the Agricultural Extension Service Bill, 2024 (SB. 646), sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha passes first reading.
The bill, which has received backing from stakeholders such as the WOFAN-ICON2 project, aims to boost smallholder farmers’ productivity and enhance food security by improving agricultural extension services across the country.
A major focus of the bill is equipping extension workers with modern skills and technology-based tools to meet farmers’ needs effectively.
Senator Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, explained that the bill seeks to implement the National Agricultural Extension Policy and Strategy while establishing a sustainable legal framework for agricultural extension services.
The proposed legislation also seeks to create a more harmonised e-agriculture extension system.
This system aims to streamline service delivery and improve efficiency across the agricultural value chain to ensure that farmers are given better access to support and resources.
Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, commended stakeholders, including the WOFAN-ICON2 project and the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), for their role in drafting the bill.
He described the partnership as a step toward addressing challenges faced by farmers and improving the sector’s overall output.