Agriculture Most Viable Alternative For Broad-based Economic Resilience – Speaker Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has said that with Nigeria’s economy still grappling with the vulnerabilities of oil dependency, agriculture presents the most viable alternative to attaining broad-based economic resilience.

Abbas stated this while opening the public hearing on 11 bills organised by the House Committee on Agriculture Colleges and Institutions at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Monday.

Represented by the deputy chief whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, the speaker said it is within the context of agriculture as a viable alternative that establishing and expanding agricultural research institutions across the country is not only necessary but strategically urgent.

„Many Countries have attained a significant leap in agro development. These countries that have achieved global respect in agricultural transformation are driven by investing substantially in research and development. Brazil’s Embrapa, for instance, reengineered an infertile savannah into a worldwide food hub.

„Vietnam’s targeted agricultural reforms pulled vast populations out of poverty. Israel continues to innovate in arid-zone agriculture through technology-driven methods. Blessed with expansive arable land, a youthful farming population, indigenous knowledge systems, and an emerging tech ecosystem, Nigeria stands at the cusp of replicating and surpassing such success stories if we act decisively.

„I am firmly convinced that the passage of these bills will invigorate our agricultural institutions by providing them with a robust legal and operational framework. Strengthening research centres will unlock new insights in crop production, pest control, and climate-smart agriculture. Expanding extension services will bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that innovations reach the grassroots.

„Enhanced farmer engagement will boost productivity and improve livelihoods, healthier soils, and rural development outcomes. By building institutional capacity, we are investing in future generations of agronomists, scientists, and policy experts who will sustain this momentum. These are the issues to be considered as we contribute to these bills,“ he said.

Earlier, the committee‘s chairman, Hon. Isiaq Akinlade, said that with a population of over 220 million and still growing, the nation is desirous of more agricultural colleges and research institutions that will help propose solutions to issues such as climate change, insecurity, pest outbreaks, soil degradation, unskilled laborers, and livestock management.

„I am positive that establishing more agricultural colleges and institutions will drive specialisation and dedication to agricultural excellence. Another tangible benefit of the Establishment Bills is the creation of jobs for our teeming youths through their various value chains.

Centres of Learning – equipping students with modern, science-based agricultural skills in crop production, livestock management, agribusiness, and environmental stewardship. Hubs of innovation – researching to improve yields, enhancing farming systems to meet global standards.

„Catalysts for Rural Development – supporting local agribusiness, and nurturing entrepreneurs who will drive sustainable development from the ground up. Bridge the gap between tradition and technology – preserving indigenous knowledge while introducing cutting-edge technologies like precision farming, biotechnology, and modern irrigation systems.

„I envision these colleges not as isolated institutions, but as networks — collaborating with other agric institutions, ministries, and the private sector — to ensure their teachings are practical, market-relevant, and future-facing. To our youth: these colleges represent opportunity. To our farmers, it represents support. And to our nation, it represents a pathway to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability,“ he added.