Senator Saliu Mustapha, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, has called for local governments in Nigeria to prioritize agriculture as their core responsibility, emphasizing the sector’s potential to transform the nation’s economy.

Speaking at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Kwara State Correspondents’ Chapel’s dinner and award night in Ilorin, Senator Mustapha highlighted the need for constitutional amendments that would refocus local government councils on agricultural development.

The senator, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, was represented by his aide, Abdulkareem Alabi, a senior lawyer.

He stressed that agriculture should no longer be treated as a secondary concern, or left solely to the private sector. Instead, it should be the primary focus of local governments to drive rural development and economic progress.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy and holds the key to solving problems like unemployment, food insecurity, and rural development,” Senator Mustapha remarked.

He further argued that local governments, being the closest to the grassroots, are in a prime position to lead agricultural initiatives that can boost food security and create jobs.

Mustapha pointed out that Nigeria’s over-dependence on oil has hindered the growth of agriculture, which remains the largest employer of labor in the country.

He believes that by making agriculture the central mandate of local governments, Nigeria could unlock economic potential and ensure sustainable development.

Drawing from international examples, Senator Mustapha cited how countries like Brazil and India have empowered their local governments to prioritize agriculture, resulting in significant economic gains. “In Brazil, for instance, local governments manage rural extension services, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and support smallholder farmers, leading the country to become one of the world’s largest producers of agricultural products.

“The success stories from countries like India and Brazil show us that empowering local governments to focus on agriculture can yield major economic benefits. Nigeria can replicate these successes by making the right adjustments,” he concluded.

This call for reform, if implemented, could pave the way for a more robust and sustainable agricultural sector in Nigeria, reducing the nation’s dependency on oil and boosting rural development.