Senators Pass Food Reserve Agency Bill Despite Disagreements

The Senate, yesterday, April 15 passed a bill seeking to establish the National Food Reserve Agency to enhance food security.

However, before the bill was passed, senators engaged in a heated debate over the powers of the National Assembly to legislate on the establishment of the agency.⁣

Nonetheless, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, ruled in favour of the proponents and the bill was passed after the red chamber considered the report of its Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development chaired by Abdullahi Adamu.⁣

In his presentation, Adamu said when established, the agency would implement the overall national food reserve policy to ensure a reliable supply of designated commodities in the country.⁣

He said with the existence of the agency, emergency food crises would be taken care of, especially during pandemics.⁣

“There will also be a reduction in post-harvest losses, as silos, warehouses, equipment, ancillary facilities and other suitable storage facilities will be installed and maintained,” he added.⁣