Federal Gov’t Moves To Overhaul Agricultural Laws

The federal government has comprehensively reviewed outdated agricultural laws to align them with the evolving realities of food security, climate change, technology and economic development.

Among the priority laws up for review are the Veterinary Surgeons Act (1969), Nigerian Co-operative Societies Act (1993), Plant Variety Protection Act, and the Nigerian Institute of Soil Science Act (2017).

Laws governing seed registration, fertilizer quality control, agricultural credit, insurance, and research are also under review.

At a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja yesterday, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi stressed the urgent need to modernise Nigeria’s legal frameworks governing agriculture to support President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He noted that many laws currently guiding agricultural activities were enacted decades ago and no longer reflect present-day challenges or innovations in the sector.

“These laws, some of which date back to the 1960s and 1970s, were designed for an agricultural economy that is no longer in existence. Our sector has witnessed a dynamic shift, from traditional farming to mechanised and climate-smart agriculture, yet our laws have not kept pace with these developments.”

The minister emphasised that modernising the legal framework remains critical for supporting smallholder farmers, addressing gender inequality, encouraging technological adoption, and tackling food insecurity.

He also identified key areas requiring legal attention, including crop and livestock diversification, climate adaptation strategies, mechanization, and the emergence of successful research-backed agricultural practices.

The minister pointed out that an investor’s decision often hinges on the robustness of a country’s legal and policy environment. He cited past efforts such as the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER), which reviewed 54 economic laws between 2015 and 2019, as evidence of how law reform can stimulate growth and attract investment.

In his remarks, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Marcus Ogunbiyi, highlighted the potential of a well-structured legal framework for agricultural transformation.

“A strong legal framework is essential for regulating land use, securing access to credit, and ensuring quality inputs like seeds and fertilisers. It is the bedrock for protecting farmers’ rights, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable practices vital to national food security,” Ogunbiyi said.

Ogunbiyi noted that many existing agricultural statutes are fragmented, obsolete, and inadequate in addressing the challenges of modern agribusiness, climate shocks, and global market trends.

He called on stakeholders to engage meaningfully and ensure the review leads to inclusive, investor-friendly, and innovation-driven outcomes.