Sharafadeen Alli Seeks Stronger Agricultural Legislation at Ibadan National Summit

…As Over 28 institutions, embassies and development partners converge on Ibadan for talks on food security

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, on Monday hosted a media parley ahead of the first-ever National Legislative Summit on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions scheduled to begin on Tuesday at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

The summit, organised by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, is expected to bring together agricultural research institutes, colleges, development partners, embassies and policymakers to discuss food security, agricultural legislation, research collaboration and youth empowerment.

Speaking at the media interaction held at the NUJ Press Centre in Ibadan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, said the summit was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector through legislation, collaboration and research-driven innovations.

According to him, the summit became necessary following the committee’s retreat held in December with the support of development partners, including PLAC and UK-based collaborators.

He said the gathering would focus on improving food security by ensuring the right legislative framework for agricultural institutions, research centres and agencies across the country.

“All that we do without research is guesswork,” Alli said, stressing the need for stronger collaboration between research institutes, farmers, the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.

The senator lamented the disconnect between local farmers and agricultural research institutes, noting that many farmers remained unaware of improved seedlings, modern farming methods and technological innovations developed by Nigerian researchers.

He cited improved cocoa varieties capable of fruiting within 18 months compared to the traditional seven-year period, as well as new cassava varieties developed through research.

Alli also revealed that over 28 agricultural institutions, about 12 embassies and international development organisations, including the European Union, GIZ, the British High Commission and the Malaysian Embassy, were expected at the summit.

He noted that agricultural desk officers from several embassies would participate to explore areas of partnership and international collaboration.

The lawmaker expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining agricultural fortunes despite its historical leadership in the sector, recalling that Malaysia obtained oil palm seedlings from Nigeria decades ago but had since surpassed the country in palm oil production.

He blamed part of the problem on poor policy implementation, inadequate support for research institutions and social divisions that distract from national development goals.

The senator also highlighted efforts to support farmers and unemployed youths through partnerships with development organisations aimed at providing mechanised farming support, land preparation, harvesting assistance and market access.

According to him, the initiative targets young people and women to encourage greater participation in agriculture and reduce unemployment.

He further disclosed that solar-powered dryers had been introduced in some communities to address post-harvest losses and improve food preservation.

Alli called on journalists to give the summit wide publicity in order to draw attention to the challenges facing agricultural institutions and the need for increased government funding and stakeholder support.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Akeem Abas, described the summit as a timely intervention capable of boosting food security and agricultural productivity in Nigeria.Abas praised Senator Alli for what he described as his transformational leadership and commitment to institutional reforms.

He said the presence of about 64 media organisations at the parley reflected the confidence journalists had in the senator’s initiatives.

The NUJ chairman expressed optimism that the summit would produce positive outcomes capable of positioning Nigeria as a major agricultural force in Africa.

Also speaking, Executive Director of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Professor Mohammed Lawal Atanda, described the summit as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s agricultural research sector.

He said the event would strengthen legislative frameworks and provide a roadmap for sustainable development in agricultural research and training institutions.

Atanda noted that Nigerian research institutes possessed highly skilled professionals and internationally recognised innovations but lacked adequate visibility and coordination.

Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr. Adedeji Abiodun Rasheed, stressed the need for greater private sector participation in funding research and development.

He said government alone could not shoulder the burden of revitalising research institutions, urging companies and entrepreneurs benefiting from agricultural products to support research efforts.

Rasheed maintained that Nigeria still possessed the manpower and expertise required to restore the lost glory of its agricultural institutions.

Similarly, Professor Oluwatosin Gabriel of the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training said research remained central to national development and food security.

He commended Senator Alli for initiating the summit and pushing for legislation capable of strengthening agricultural research and policy implementation across the country.

The summit is expected to run through the week with discussions centred on food production, research commercialisation, youth empowerment, international partnerships and sustainable agricultural development.