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.
Yinka Aluko Ghali Muhammed Ike Ekweremadu Sherif Shagaya Aliyu Olatunji Ajanaku Forgo Battery Company Limited Shaaba Lafiagi Aasiyat Bello Oyedepo Olota Of Odo-Owa Olomu Of Omu-Aran Opobiyi Harrison Osauwagboe AbdulHamid Adi Oke-Ero Halidu Danbaba Umar Ahmed Gunu Nigeria Foundation For Artificial Intelligence Academic Staff Union Of Universities Curfew Kwara Central Kwara State Fire Service Raliat Islamic Foundation Babatunde Ishola Babaita Tanke Flyover Bridge Muideen Olaniyi Alalade Moses Salami Shururat Olatinwo Roheemat Hammed Monkey Pox Borgu Jimoh Akani Ahman Pategi Saheed Popoola Aliyu Kora Sabi AbdulQowiy Olododo Abdulmumin Yinka Ajia Ajuloopin Amosa Obasanjo New Naira Notes New Model Police Station Abdulwahab Ololele Lanre Olosunde Abioye Bello Yaru Oluwole Dupe Salman Suleiman Ademola Kiyesola Femi Gbajabiamila Coalition Of Kwara North Groups Gabriel Fashanu Aminat Ahmed RTEAN Lawal Jimoh 11th Galadima Law School Scholarship IPSAS Rueben Parejo Senior Staff Union Of Colleges Of Education Chikanda Adekunle David Dunmade Abdulrazaq Aiyelabegan Sidikat Uthman Ajibola Bola Iyabo Ibiyeye Adisa Saka Saadu Saraki Ladi Hassan Yeketi GRA Maigida Soludero Transit Matthew Okedare Muftau Akanbi Oke Ibrahim Oloriegbe Abubakar Olusola Saraki Mufutau Olatinwo Olumide Daniel Ibitoye Razaq Ayobami Akanbi

