A significant legislative milestone was achieved as the Senate passed the second reading of a bill to establish the National Food Reserve Agency. Sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Production Services and Rural Development, the bill aims to bolster the agricultural sector by ensuring national food security, enhancing income through marketing and storage services, and addressing emergency food crises.
Senator Mustapha emphasized that the bill will institute the National Food Reserve Agency to implement the National Food Reserve policy, reduce post-harvest losses, and provide food security for the nation. He highlighted the need to bridge the gap in agricultural development and coordinate programs with national and international agencies.
He pointed out that creating an agency dedicated to food reserves is crucial for improving food and nutrition security. A strategic grain reserve will stabilize staple food prices, benefiting both consumers and farmers. The proposed agency will also set guidelines for establishing and maintaining buffer stocks to ensure price stabilization and food security.
Senator Mustapha, representing Kwara Central, noted that the agency would be responsible for storing food grains and other commodities strategically, mitigating the impact of soaring food prices. The agency could have ensured price stabilization and food availability through maintaining buffer stocks.
The bill aims to implement the National Food Reserve Policy to ensure a reliable supply of designated commodities, meet local shortfalls, and reduce post-harvest losses. This will be achieved through constructing and managing silos, warehouses, and other storage facilities, ensuring their maintenance and functionality.
Moreover, the bill will establish and maintain buffer stocks across all states. Senator Mustapha concluded that passing the bill into law would fulfill the nation’s aspiration for food security and self-sufficiency, compensating for foreign currency shortfalls, offsetting supply shocks, and supporting humanitarian responses to food emergencies. This initiative will help the nation cope with the impact of climate change on food production and supply, paving the way for national food security and self-sufficiency.
