The Senate in session. Photo Credit: Senate
The Senate on Thursday passed, for third reading, a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State, as part of efforts to boost agricultural productivity and promote modern farming techniques.
The passage followed the adoption of a recommendation to that effect in a report presented by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during plenary.
Sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South), the bill is aimed at promoting agricultural education, improving farming practices and strengthening agricultural development in the host community and the country at large.
Ndume said the proposed institution would help address the challenges posed by Nigeria’s continued reliance on traditional farming methods, which have limited productivity in the agricultural sector.
“One of the fundamental challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria is our continued reliance on crude farming methods.
“We have not made sufficient progress in improving productivity and making farming easier through modern technology”, he said.
He added that the college, when established, would facilitate the adoption of improved farming techniques, modern technology, agricultural knowledge and better crop varieties among farmers.
The senator noted that Shani was strategically positioned to benefit from the institution, given its agricultural potential and proximity to other farming communities.
“For those who may not know Shani, it is a local government area in Borno South. It is known for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of rice, tomatoes and onions, and shares boundaries with Adamawa and Bauchi states, which are also agricultural zones.
“I am excited about this achievement. I consider it one of my lifetime achievements in the National Assembly, especially as we approach the end of our legislative session”, he added.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, commended the committee for its work and Ndume for sponsoring what he described as a development-driven initiative, expressing optimism that the proposed institution would contribute to agricultural development in Nigeria.
With the Senate’s passage of the bill, it will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent, if approved by the lower chamber.
The proposed college is expected to support agricultural education and skills development, particularly in a region where farming remains an important economic activity.