NASS Passes First Reading on Agricultural Research Council Bill, SB 410

The 10th National Assembly, NASS, on April 30, 2024, passed the first reading of the Agricultural Research Council Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, SB. 410 on the Senate floor.

The Bill, sponsored by Senator Okechukwu Ezea, representing Enugu North Senatorial District under the Labour Party, seeks to amend the Agricultural Research Council Act to create the Federal College of Agriculture in the Adani Uzo-Uwani Local government area of Enugu State.

It is worth noting that the Agricultural Research Council Act is the Bill that enabled the creation of all agricultural colleges in Nigeria, with the recent amendment sought by Senator Ezea aiming to replicate such colleges in Enugu State.

What happens next to the Bill?

The Bill, SB. 410 will now head to the Senate floor, argued and debated upon, where if and when it passes a second reading, it will be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

Then, the community of Adani and Uzo-Uwani LGA in general, with potential to hosting a college of agriculture stands to be potentially equipped and enabled by law to explore into agricultural businesses.

However, factors including the soil, irrigation, and climate conditions are to be considered in what to plant for mass production and consumption in the State of Enugu.

But with local seeds, arable lands, water, irrigation method, and farm equipment, most of which requires government supports remains another challenge the State would be facing along the line.

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About The Author

Mayowa Durosinmi

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Mayowa Durosinmi is a Nigerian investigative reporter for West Africa Weekly with reports focusing on politics, human rights, security and health in West Africa and the Sahel region.

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