The Bill for an Act to establish The Nigeria Agricultural Harvest And Processing Free Zone Ataganyi, Benue State, SB 1030, and for other related matters, being sponsored by Distinguished Senator Abba Patrick Moro, passed Second Reading on the floor of the Senate this Tuesday, November 22, 2022. The Bill was read the first time on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.
In his lead debate, Senator Moro said the primary intent of the Bill was to establish the Nigeria Agricultural Harvest and Processing Free Zone, Ataganyi, to incentivize agro-industrilisation in Nigeria to harvest and process food and cash crops for our local consumption and for export purposes.
He said the establishment of the Free Zone in Ataganyi would augment value-chain commodities across the country which will entail the development and operation of agro-industrial processing clusters in the Zone, to engender competitiveness in Agro-Industrial production and processing, to further unlock the potentials of Nigeria’s agriculture, to improve food security, reduce post harvest losses, create jobs as well as wealth for Nigeria.
His lead debate;
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, may I once again seek your kind leave to lead the debate on a very crucial Bill.
“The Bill was read for the first time in this hallowed Chamber on Tuesday 28th June, 2022.
“The intent of this Bill among other things, is to establish the Nigeria Agricultural Harvest and Processing Free Zone, to incentivize agro-industralisation in Nigeria to harvest and process food and cash crops for our local consumption and for export purposes.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, may I remind us that Nigeria is a nation with a large track of arable land and relatively cheap labour, and should ordinarily be able to feed itself sufficiently with excess for export. Sadly, Nigeria is a gross importer of food and agricultural products with a high inflation rate, extreme hunger and a struggling agricultural sector.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues may I mention that in Nigeria, agricultural revolutions have always been at the center of most agro-economic policies of past governments with the objectives of diversifying the economy using crude oil as a springboard. However, grossly inadequate implementation has impeded success of such policies and the consequence is a mono-cultural economy that has made Nigeria an importer of even the tiniest agricultural product such as toothpicks.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, the establishment of the Nigeria Agricultural Harvest and Processing Free Zone Ataganyi, Benue State, will augment value-chain commodities across the country which will entail the development and operation of agro-industrial processing clusters in the Zone, to engender competitiveness in Agro-Industrial production and Processing, that is critical, to further unlock the potentials of Nigeria’s agriculture, to improve food security, reduce post harvest losses, create jobs as well as wealth for Nigeria.
“May I add Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, that with the coming of the Nigeria Agricultural Harvest and Processing Free Zone Ataganyi, Benue State, dry season farming will be encouraged in Nigeria to produce additional food in the dry season where less food has been traditionally produced.
“In line with Order 76 (3) of the Standing Rules of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with respect to the procedure of Bills, Compendium and Consolidation, a copy of the Compendium is hereto attached.
“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, I urge you all to support this inclusive and sustainable Agro-Industrial development Bill and pass it accordingly.
“Thank you all for your audience.”
The Bill was refered to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development for further legislative actions, to report back in Four weeks.
Emmanuel Eche-Ofun John,
SA (New Media) to the Senator
22/11/2022
