Senate Steps Down Barau’s Agricultural Revolution Bill

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday, November 3, stepped down the Agricultural Revolution Bill, 2026, sponsored by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, following disagreements over its contents, scope and compliance with legislative procedures.

The proposed legislation, identified as SB. 1082, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for transforming and modernising Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with provisions covering food security, mechanisation, irrigation, agricultural financing, agro-industrialisation, rural development and climate-resilient farming.

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, presented arguments in support of the bill on behalf of its sponsor. Monguno said the legislation was intended to address challenges including low productivity, inadequate mechanisation, limited irrigation infrastructure, insecurity in farming communities, poor access to affordable financing and post-harvest losses.

He argued that a coordinated legal framework was needed to move Nigerian agriculture beyond fragmented interventions and promote modern, technology-driven and commercially viable farming.

Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, seconded the motion, describing agriculture as central to Nigeria’s economic diversification and calling for increased investment in mechanisation, research and development.

However, Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central questioned the bill’s structure, arguing that it appeared more like a motion than a fully developed legislative proposal. Although he described its objectives as timely and commendable, he said it did not clearly explain whether it intended to establish new agencies or amend the mandates of existing institutions responsible for agricultural development.

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi of Kebbi North also raised concerns about the bill’s broad scope, arguing that agriculture was too extensive to be effectively covered by a single omnibus law. He called for targeted legislation addressing specific challenges such as irrigation, mechanisation and agricultural subsidies.

The debate also became contentious over the circulation of printed copies. Some lawmakers said they had not received the bill, while its supporters maintained that it had been gazetted and uploaded to the Senate’s digital platform.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio intervened, directing that printed copies be made available to all senators. Barau subsequently agreed to withdraw the proposal temporarily and redistribute the document in compliance with the Senate’s rules.

The bill was therefore stepped down pending the completion of the required circulation process and may return for consideration after the concerns have been addressed.