The Senate on Thursday passed for third reading a bill seeking to establish a Federal College of Agriculture in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State.
The passage followed the adoption of a report presented by the Senate Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions during plenary.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District, is designed to promote agricultural education, knowledge and development in Shani and Nigeria at large.
Ndume said the proposed institution would equip farmers and other stakeholders with modern agricultural knowledge, improved farming techniques and technologies to enhance productivity.
He identified continued reliance on traditional farming methods as one of the major challenges confronting Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
“One of the fundamental challenges facing agriculture in Nigeria is our continued reliance on crude farming methods.
“We have not made sufficient progress in improving productivity and making farming easier through modern technology,” he said.
The senator added that the college, when established, would facilitate the adoption of improved farming techniques, modern technologies, agricultural knowledge and better crop varieties among farmers.
He described Shani as an agricultural community in Borno South, known particularly for the cultivation of rice, tomatoes and onions.
According to him, the area shares boundaries with Adamawa and Bauchi states, which are also recognised for agricultural activities.
Expressing satisfaction with the Senate’s passage of the bill, Ndume described the development as one of his major achievements in the National Assembly, particularly as the current legislative session approaches its conclusion.
“I am excited about this achievement. I consider it one of my lifetime achievements in the National Assembly, especially as we approach the end of our legislative session,” he said.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the committee for its work and Ndume for sponsoring the bill, noting that the proposed institution would contribute to agricultural development in Nigeria.
With its passage by the Senate, the bill will be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent, in line with legislative procedures
