Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi has said Nigeria needs to produce about 22 million metallic tons of rice annually to meet local demand by Nigerians.

Speaking at a public hearing on three bills to strengthen the agricultural sector organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Agricultural Production and Services, the Minister said presently, Nigeria was producing about 20 million metric tonnes leaving a deficit of about two million.

He said. Nigeria must sustain steady funding of the sector with a view to increasing rice yield and close existing gaps in production.

The bills are “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) Act, 2025; A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Farm Settlements Agency to Promote Agricultural Development, Ensure Food Security, and Foster Economic Growth (HB 1347), and A Bill for an Act to Provide a Legal Framework for the Establishment of the National Rice Production, Processing and Research Institute, Argungu, Kebbi State (HB 423).

The Minister said the yield gap is one of the major problems that must be addressed in other people ensure food security in the country.

He said, “For example, the rice we are talking about. The average yield is usually put at about five tons for those who are doing very well. Hardly will you get people making six tons. But the average is between 4.5 to 5 tons. And those who are doing very well may get up to six tons.


“But if you take countries that are producing rice at a very good level, the yield potential is nine to 12 tonnes. If we can concentrate on funding the processes for yield increase, we are double the yeild and our farmers will be able to get up to seven to eight tons. By so doing, we can get the 22 million metric tonnes demand in our country. Presently, we are doing 20 and having 2 million as deficit. If we are able to do that, we will be able to cover the need without any difficulty.

“So, we must take anothet look at the strategy that will enable us to achieve the same thing we want to achieve. It is not by opening up more centres because, we have turned our institutes into employment centres.

“I’ve served in that system for 20 years before coming onto the the National Assembly. I would like members to take a greater look at how we can strengthen the current system and make them to give us the maximum productivity they can give. That way, our farmers will be able to produce more.

“If you take a look at cassava, Nigeria is the world largest producer of cassava for the past 30 years. But what is the average yield of cassava? It’s just about 11 tonnes. That is even for those ones that are doing high.

“Now, what is possible in the research system is 49 tonnes per hectare. So if you can double that, it means the farmers can produce 22 tonnes per hectare. The current 60 million metric tonnes we are producing as a nation that made us number one, we can go uppto 120.

“If they triple it, we can go upto 180. And that will be a massive injection into our economy. So I think I would like to plead with this House to look inwards and see how we can strengthen the current system to deliver on the current mandates that we have”.

Speaking on the proposed bills, he said the ministry and it’s agencies have aligned with most of the provisions of the bills, while saying however that there are areas that must be looked into to fine tune the bills in tandem with existing extant laws.

He added, “In particular, we should try to bring in those programmes and projects that we know federal government is making investment on, and for which we want it to be aligned to the National Agriculture Development Fund and its own intention.

Declaring the hearing open, l Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajuddeen said the proposed bills are more than just legislation, but a blueprint for a more secure, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria.

Represented by the Deputy Whip of the House, Ayokunle Isiaka, the Speaker said “they demonstrate our commitment to harnessing the vast potential of our agricultural resources to improve the lives of our citizens.

“This hearing aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the declaration of a State of Emergency on Food Security, underscoring our collective resolve to tackle food insecurity and boost agricultural productivity.

“I urge every stakeholder, expert, and citizen to engage actively, sharing your insights, expertise, and concerns. Your voices are essential to crafting robust and effective laws.


“Let us work together to build a resilient agricultural sector that drives our economy, guarantees food security, and uplifts every Nigerian. It is my distinct pleasure to declare this public hearing open”.

Committee Chairman, Bello Kaoje said Agriculture remains the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and the most reliable path to inclusive growth and poverty reduction.

He however stated that, achieving food security and competitiveness requires sound policies supported by effective legislation.

He added, “This public hearing offers all stakeholders — policymakers, farmers, researchers, investors, and development partners — an opportunity to share valuable perspectives. Your insights today will help us refine these bills to ensure they are practical, forward-looking, and beneficial to all segments of the agricultural sector.

“As a Committee, we are committed to ensuring that every law passed by this House strengthens productivity, enhances innovation, and provides real value to Nigerian farmers. We will continue to collaborate with the Executive, relevant agencies, and the private sector to make agriculture a business that drives national prosperity”.