Senator Saliu Mustapha Calls for Focus on Agriculture in Local Government Councils
As reported by Voice of Nigeria, Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has advocated for prioritising agriculture within local government councils across Nigeria.
Speaking at the dinner and award night hosted by the Correspondence Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ilorin, Senator Mustapha emphasized the need for constitutional amendments to reassign the core responsibilities of Local Government Areas (LGAs) to agriculture. He highlighted the critical role the agricultural sector can play in revolutionising the nation’s economic development.
Represented by his aide and senior lawyer, Abdulkareem Alabi, Senator Mustapha, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that agriculture should no longer be treated as secondary or left exclusively to private enterprise.
Focus on Agriculture
Instead, the Lawmaker urged for a nationwide strategy where local governments are constitutionally mandated to focus on agriculture as their primary function.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and it holds the key to addressing unemployment, food insecurity, and rural developments” Senator Mustapha stated.
“For too long, our local governments have been distracted by peripheral responsibilities. It is time we refocus their energies on what really matters – agriculture and rural developments.”
He argued that local government areas is closer to the grassroots, are in a prime position to facilitate agricultural development and rural transformation, both of which are crucial for food security and economic growth.
According to Senator Mustapha, Nigeria’s reliance on oil revenues has not only left the country vulnerable to global market fluctuations but also stunted the growth of its agricultural sector, which remains the largest employer of labor in the country.
By institutionalising agriculture as the central focus of LGAs, the senator believes Nigeria can unlock vast economic potentials, improve livelihoods, and ensure sustainable development.
“In India as in Brazil, the local government plays a crucial role in agriculture. Brazilian municipalities are deeply involved in managing rural extension services, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring that smallholder farmers have access to resources. This model has contributed to Brazil becoming one of the world’s largest agricultural producers, particularly in soybeans, sugar, and beef.”
Senator Mustapha noted that these international models demonstrate how empowering local governments to prioritize agriculture can yield significant dividends.
He said countries like India and Brazil have transformed their economies through localised agricultural development, meaning that Nigeria could replicate these successes if it realigns its focus.
Cloud Tag: What's trending
Click on a word/phrase to read more about it.
Yakubu Mohammed Abdullahi Jaigbade Alao Ayo Opadokun Abdulwahab Ololele Simon Sayomi Rex Olawoye Bayo Lawal Cassava Growers\' Association Muslim Cementary Ademola Kiyesola Coalition Of Kwara North Groups Bayo Ajia Mahmud Ajeigbe Jide Ashonibare Olatunji Moronfoye Oba Of Jebba Ajikobi Okin Group Senate President Yahaya A Paniyaro Taofik Abdulkareem Babaita YAKOOYO Democracy Day Sheikh Ridhwanullah El-ilory Tunde Saad Mansurat Amuda-Kannike College Of Education Baboko Primary School Alliance For Democracy Tafida Of Ilorin Abdullahi Atanda Olabode George Towoju TETFUND Okin Biscuits Kwara TV Ibrahim Abikan Yahaya Seriki Gambari Kwara Restoration Project Baba Adini Of Kwara State GGDSS Pakata Unilorin FM Alumni Association Of The Federal Polytechnic Offa Geri-Alimi Split Diamond Interchange Aasiyat Bello Oyedepo Zubair Folorunsho Erubu Saadu Gbogbo Iwe Najim Yaasin Code Of Conduct Tribunal Dan Iya Of Ilorin Wahab Kunle Shittu Gbemi Saraki Henry Olaosebikan Olaiya Victor Mobolaji Salihu S. Yaru Oba Abu Joana Nnazua Kolo Mufutau Olatinwo Offa Metropolitan Club Turaki Of Ilorin Alikinla COEASU Raliat Islamic Foundation Olokoba Sulyman Jide Oyinloye Oyun Lawal Olohungbebe Yemi Sanni Abdulrasheed Na\'Allah Bamidele Aluko Temi Kolawole Read With Me Buhari Garba Dogo Ministry Of Women Affairs And Social Development Issa Memunat Moyosore Suleiman Rotimi Iliasu Lanre Jimoh