Editor
The Senate has approved the bill advocating for the establishment of the National Food Reserve Agency in Nigeria for its second reading.
Sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha from Kwara Central, the bill aims to further enhance the agricultural sector by ensuring national food security and income through marketing and storage services, while also addressing emergency food crises.
During his lead debate, Mustapha highlighted that the proposed food reserve agency would address existing gaps in agricultural development, coordinating programs and projects both nationally and internationally.
He emphasized that establishing an agency dedicated to food reserves is crucial for improving food and nutrition security.
“A strategic grain reserve will help stabilize prices of staple foods, benefiting consumers and farmers alike.
The National Food Reserve Agency, once established, will guide the establishment and maintenance of buffer stocks to ensure price stabilization and food security,” he explained.
The proposed agency will be responsible for storing food grains and other commodities for strategic purposes.
Mustapha also pointed out that the current challenges related to soaring food prices could be alleviated with the existence of this agency, which would ensure price stabilization and availability of food produce through buffer stock maintenance.
The objectives of the bill include implementing the National Food Reserve Policy to ensure a consistent supply of designated commodities and addressing local supply shortages. It also aims to reduce post-harvest losses by constructing and managing silos, warehouses, and other storage facilities, as well as providing guidelines for establishing and maintaining buffer stocks in all states.
Upon passing the bill for its second reading, the Senate referred it to the Committee on Agriculture for further legislative review and instructed them to report back within four weeks.
