WOFAN, stakeholders to present agric extension revitalisation draft bill to National Assembly Thursday
The Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) ICON2 Project, in partnership with MasterCard Foundation, NAERLS, and FDAES, will be presenting the Agricultural Extension Service Delivery Revitalisation Draft Bill to the National Assembly on Thursday.
Prior to the much anticipated submission, the stakeholders organised a one-day preliminary validation meeting on Agricultural Extension Service Delivery Revitalisation Bill to incorporate final recommendations before the official submission.
The one-day validation meeting was held at Transcorp Hotel Abuja on 26 June 2024.
The meeting is one of many engagements where relevant stakeholders gather to deliberate and make recommendations towards the transformation of the Agricultural Extension Service Delivery Revitalisation Bill into an acceptable legal document that will enhance its speedy passage when presented before the National Assembly.
Presenting brief remarks on previous stakeholders’ meetings, Professor MK Othman gave an overview of various engagements with legal professionals, commissioners, CSOs, farmers and representatives from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Justice, private institutions and members of the academia, among others.
The proposed bill, which seeks to address food insecurity plaguing the country and facilitate development of the agricultural sector, has garnered commendations and support from lawmakers, state governors, private organisations, ministries and many others.
Speaking during the preliminary validation meeting, WOFAN-ICON 2 Country Director Hajia Salamatu Garba said the proposed bill, when implemented will build the capacities of extension workers and farmers which will boost harvests, storage and sustain food security in the country.
She said, “Almost everyone in Nigeria is feeling the brunt of food insecurity at the moment, this bill is coming at the right when it is much needed, we are talking about a bill that will sustain food security in Nigeria and prevent the constant somersaulting of policies, where today we ban rice importation, and unban it tomorrow.
“Government should strengthen and prioritise our agricultural extension system, that is the only way we can get it right and have bountiful harvests.
The Country Director said the bill has reached the final stage after undergoing different stages from zero, first to second, and the third draft and the revision of the third draft for the conclusion while involving relevant stakeholders.
Hajia Garba said the final recommendation will be put into consideration, and the hardcopy of the bill will be handed to the senate committee on Thursday.
Welcoming the proposed Agricultural Extension Service Delivery Revitalisation Bill, the chairman, House Committee on Agricultural Services, Honourable Bello Kaoje and chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Production Services and Rural Development, Senator Saliu Mustapha, applauded WOFAN’s contribution to the advancement of agriculture in Nigeria.
Speaking at a technical session for the proposed bill organised by WOFAN early this year, the lawmakers assured of their commitments to the speedy passage of the bill once it reaches the National Assembly.
Similarly, the senior legislative aid to Senator Saliu Mustafa commended WOFAN ICON2 for engaging and considering recommendations of relevant stakeholders to ensure a good legislature.
He expressed optimism for the successful passage of the bill.
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