Reps consider bill to establish armed forces farms and ranches scheme

A bill seeking to establish the armed forces farms and ranches scheme has passed the second reading at the house of representatives.

Babajimi Benson, a lawmaker from Lagos, sponsored the bill, which seeks to enhance food security and promote economic diversification.

Leading the debate on the bill on Tuesday, Benson said the defence farms and ranches scheme would enhance agricultural production by exploiting the resources and capabilities of the armed forces.

He said the goal is to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenue while addressing food insecurity.

The legislator said military farms exist in various forms, noting that the bill will give them a legal framework.

Benson said the military will not need to source land as the scheme will rely on the arable land owned by the armed forces across the country.

The legislator said the scheme will collaborate with ministries and agencies to utilize integrated farming systems for crop cultivation and livestock farming.

He said the scheme will increase agricultural productivity and output, stabilise food prices and reduce imports, create jobs, and tackle unemployment.

Lawmakers voted in favour of the bill when it was put to a voice vote by Benjamin Kalu, the deputy speaker, who presided over plenary.