A bill seeking to establish a National Food Reserve Agency has advanced in the National Assembly as part of efforts to improve Nigeria’s food security system.

The proposal followed the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development during plenary on Tuesday.

Sponsored by Senator Salihu Mustapha of Kwara Central, the bill aims to create a structured system for storing, managing, and distributing strategic food reserves during shortages and emergencies.

According to the lawmaker, the agency would strengthen national food security by ensuring better management of reserves and improving readiness for supply disruptions.

He added that the agency would also maintain a strategic grain reserve that could be deployed quickly during crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and market instability.

Nigeria’s agricultural sector has faced increasing challenges in recent years, including insecurity in food-producing areas, climate-related disruptions, and rising farming costs, all of which have affected production and supply chains.

These issues have contributed to rising food prices and concerns over the country’s ability to achieve long-term food security.

Mustapha expressed confidence that the bill, if passed, would reduce dependence on external food sources and promote greater self-sufficiency in agricultural production.