Senate Pushes For Cassava Inclusion In Flour Production

The Nigerian Senate has advanced efforts to mandate the inclusion of cassava in flour production and its derivatives.

This development occurred yesterday in Abuja following the second reading of a bill sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central).

The bill aims to address the rising cost of wheat due to global disruptions, particularly the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, and to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on wheat imports.

In his lead debate, Senator Mustapha explained that the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine had further increased the cost of wheat and its derivatives, particularly bread, a primary staple food for Nigerians.

According to him, the continued importation of wheat negatively affects the Nigerian economy by causing trade imbalances, loss of foreign exchange, and increased food dependency.

He specifically stated that the bill, when passed into law, would stimulate job creation in the agricultural sector and increase Nigeria’s share of cassava earnings in foreign exchange.

Senator Mustapha outlined the bill’s objectives, which include a mandatory requirement that 20 per cent of all flour produced in Nigeria or imported into the country contain high-quality cassava flour.

“Encouraging cassava farming to create a sustainable market for cassava flour with a regulatory mandate of publishing regulations on the proportion of cassava flour to wheat flour in edible flour production and tax incentives for producers of mixed wheat and cassava flour and wheat importers who include cassava flour in imported wheat.

“The passage of this bill will enhance the efficiency of cassava production and processing operations. Cassava is a choice crop for rural development, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and ultimately, food security,” he said.

Many senators expressed support for the bill during the debate.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said, “This bill is about our national interest. It is important to utilise what we produce everywhere in this country—north, south, and everywhere. Every state produces cassava. It is one of the crops you can find nationwide.

“Experts have concluded that adding a certain amount of cassava to wheat is good for bread baking. However, bakers have refused to align with the study findings. Now, legislation should be enacted to enforce compliance.”

Following the debate, the Senate passed the bill for a second reading and directed its Committee on Agriculture to conduct a public hearing within four weeks.