Reps Approve Military Involvement in Agriculture: Boosting Food Security
The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a bill to involve the military in agricultural activities as a response to the ongoing food crisis in the country.
This proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Armed Forces Farms and Ranches Scheme,” aims to enhance food security and promote economic diversification by utilizing military resources for large-scale farming and ranching.
The bill, introduced by Hon. Babajimi Benson, outlines that the military will manage agricultural projects under the supervision of the Minister of Defence, in collaboration with relevant government agencies and private sector partners.
The initiative seeks to leverage military land for farming, thereby potentially protecting these areas from banditry and other security issues that have affected agricultural production​.
This move aligns with calls from President Bola Tinubu to have the military participate more actively in farming to combat the challenges posed by food insecurity in Nigeria.
The initiative is seen as a way to strengthen local communities and provide agricultural education, fostering engagement between military personnel and civilians