The House of Representatives has progressed discussions on a bill proposing the establishment of Armed Forces farms and ranches across Nigeria, a move aimed at bolstering agricultural production and tackling food security challenges.
Sponsored by Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos), the bill passed its second reading during a Tuesday session chaired by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Presenting the bill, Benson highlighted the initiative’s potential to leverage the Nigerian Armed Forces’ extensive land holdings and organizational capacity.
“By involving the military in agricultural activities, we can improve food production, support national food security, and reduce reliance on oil revenue,” Benson explained.
Benson underscored that this approach would allow the military to allocate land from its arable holdings across the country, enabling the cultivation of diverse crops suited to different climatic conditions.
He added that collaboration with other ministries and agencies, along with integrated farming systems that combine crop, livestock, and fish farming, would maximize land use and enhance biodiversity.
Discussing the scheme’s impact, Benson stated it can help stabilize food prices, reduce imports, and create job opportunities for both military personnel and civilians, thus addressing unemployment.
He also noted that skill development in agriculture through the program would benefit both military and civilian participants, enhancing future economic activities.
Addressing the broader implications, Benson stressed the link between insecurity and hunger, identifying food scarcity as a driver of insurgency.
He argued that military involvement in agriculture could stimulate local economies, reduce youth restiveness, and serve as a strategic approach to curbing insecurity in the country.