The House of Representatives has approved the establishment of the National Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food Safety Research, Ulonna North, Isuikwuato, Abia State.
This followed the adoption of recommendations on the bill, laid for consideration by the Chairman, Committee on Agricultural Colleges and Institutions, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, on Wednesday.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Institute for Organic Agriculture and Food Safety Research, Ulonna North, Isuikwuato, Abia State and for Related Matters (HB. 1380),” was sponsored by Hon. Amobi Ogah and four other lawmakers.
Recall that during debate on the bill for its second reading, Ogah said the establishment of the Institute will permit the conduction of in-depth Research on the impact of organic food consumption on public health, its outcomes in relation to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) especially in this critical period of hardship and lack of food given the government relaxation of the restriction on the importation of foodstuff into Nigeria.
He said the Institute, when established, will provide crucial data to inform dietary recommendations and National health policies, which will develop comprehensive educational and practical agricultural programs to empower consumers with knowledge about the benefits of organic foods.
He said the Institute will provide grants, funds, and support to individuals, educational institutions, non-profit organisations, and public and private entities conducting research in organic agriculture and food safety for a uniform and rapid coverage of the Nation.
The institute, he said, will support and promote the development of sustainable organic agricultural practices and technologies to ensure the safety of organic food products for consumers by advancing research on the safety, quality, and traceability of organic foods.
He added that the establishment of the Institute is very necessary for agricultural development and food safety in Nigeria.
In accordance with legislative procedures, the bills will be sent to the Senate for concurrence and then to the President for their assent to take effect.
The sponsor of the bill, Hon. Ogah, is a businessman and politician currently serving his first term in the 10th House of Representatives as a Member representing Isuikwato/Umuneochi Federal Constituency. He was elected on February 25, 2023, on the ticket of the Labour Party, LP.
His bill underscores his commitment to food security in the country, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, launched in 2023, with results beginning to trickle in as observed by professionals and experts
