The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday successfully passed the second reading of the National Rice Development Council Bill, a critical legislative step towards transforming the rice sector and boosting the nation’s agricultural economy.
Sponsored by Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central), the bill seeks to establish a dedicated National Rice Development Council. This council will serve as a central coordinating body for stakeholders across the rice value chain—including farmers, processors, millers, researchers, and marketers—to streamline efforts aimed at increasing local rice production and enhancing the sector’s overall productivity.
The bill, originally passed by the 9th Senate and forwarded to the presidency in 2023, did not receive assent at the time. It was subsequently reintroduced in the current 10th Assembly. Senator Aliero emphasized the urgent need for a unified approach to rice sector development due to the fragmented nature of existing associations and policy initiatives.
“The National Rice Development Council Bill aims to provide a cohesive platform that brings together the various rice sector players such as the Paddy Rice Dealers Association of Nigeria, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Rice Processors Association, and many others,” Aliero explained during the Senate debate.
This council will be responsible for overseeing rice research, development, training, and dissemination of best practices, ensuring a systematic and effective approach to improving rice yields and quality across Nigeria.
The passage of this bill promises significant benefits for Nigeria’s agriculture and economy. Rice is a staple food consumed widely across the country, making its production critical to national food security. By instituting a governing council, the bill aims to boost local rice production, reduce dependency on imports, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global rice market.
Increased Rice Yields and Quality: Through focused research and adoption of innovative farming practices, farmers can achieve higher productivity levels.
Higher Farmers’ Income: Enhancing production efficiency, reducing costs, and improving market access will elevate the earnings of rice farmers.
Job Creation: Strengthening the rice value chain will generate employment opportunities in farming, processing, marketing, and distribution.
Economic Growth: The rice industry’s expansion will contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, improve foreign exchange savings by reducing rice imports, and stimulate rural economies.
Food Security: A stable and efficient rice supply chain is vital for feeding Nigeria’s large and growing population.
Senator Aliero stressed, “Rice development is not only about feeding Nigerians but also about creating economic opportunities and making Nigeria a key exporter in the global agricultural market.”
The bill received wide support from lawmakers, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio referring it to the Senate Committee on Agriculture for further scrutiny and legislative refinement.
The establishment of the National Rice Development Council aligns with Nigeria’s broader agricultural policies and food security agenda. It complements ongoing government initiatives aimed at mechanization, improved seed distribution, and access to finance for farmers.
While the bill marks progress, experts caution that its success will depend on effective implementation, adequate funding, and collaboration with private sector partners. The agriculture sector has historically faced challenges such as inconsistent policies, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to modern technology.
However, the creation of a statutory body dedicated to rice development signals a stronger commitment from the government to overcome these barriers and unlock the sector’s full potential.
As Nigeria pushes towards self-sufficiency in rice production, the National Rice Development Council Bill stands as a crucial legislative milestone. By fostering a well-organized and productive rice sector, the bill not only promises to enhance food security but also to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and boost Nigeria’s status as a major agricultural economy.
The Nigerian public and stakeholders await the bill’s successful passage through all legislative stages and its eventual presidential assent, hopeful that it will transform the rice industry for generations to come.