Speaker Tajudeen Abbas of the House of Representatives highlighted the parliament’s intention to enact legislation aimed at enhancing funding for agricultural activities, with the goal of achieving national food security. He emphasized the necessity of diversifying Nigeria’s economy away from its dependence on crude oil, given its uncertain future.
The speaker made these statements during the “Second Interactive Session and Workshop on Developing Bankable Business/Proposal Business Plans for Youth and Women in Agriculture,” a collaborative event involving the African Development Bank Group, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Commission. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu represented Speaker Abbas at the event.
Abbas urged the African Development Bank (AfDB) to sustain its partnership with the Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa to advance initiatives that promote significant progress across the continent. He emphasized the House’s commitment to establishing a robust legislative framework supporting agricultural banks or financial institutions. This framework aims to facilitate the provision of low-interest loans to farmers, essential for fostering a thriving agricultural economy.
Acknowledging the global shift towards greener and sustainable energy sources, Abbas stressed the urgency for Nigeria to invest in alternative sectors, with agriculture highlighted as pivotal. He emphasized the potential of agriculture and information technology for economic growth and sustainability, advocating for the development and implementation of bankable business proposals. This approach, he noted, would empower youth and women, enabling them to play essential roles in these sectors.
Additionally, Abbas underscored the 10th House’s dedication to supporting youth development through public work programs targeting infrastructure and agriculture. He concluded by urging the AfDB to continue collaborating closely with the Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa to advance shared objectives.
