By Adenike Lawal
The Senate has advanced a proposal to integrate cassava into flour production and its derivatives, aiming to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on wheat imports.
The initiative gained momentum with the second reading of a bill sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC Kwara Central).
Presenting the bill, Senator Mustapha underscored the economic pressures caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has led to soaring wheat prices.
Bread, a staple food in Nigeria, has been particularly affected, exacerbating food insecurity and economic challenges.
He noted that Nigeria’s heavy dependence on wheat imports has strained foreign exchange reserves, worsened trade imbalances, and deepened the country’s food dependency.
The proposed legislation seeks to mandate a 20% inclusion of high-quality cassava flour in both locally produced and imported flour.
It also aims to promote cassava farming, establish a sustainable market for cassava flour, and regulate the ratio of cassava to wheat in edible flour production.
Additionally, the bill offers tax incentives for producers and importers who blend wheat with cassava flour, incentivizing adoption across the industry.
Senator Mustapha highlighted the broader benefits of the bill, noting that it would spur job creation in the agricultural sector, improve cassava production efficiency, and boost Nigeria’s export earnings.
“Cassava is a vital crop for rural development, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and food security,” he stated.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, alongside other senators, expressed strong support for the bill.
Jibrin emphasized that it promotes local agricultural products across Nigeria, as cassava is widely cultivated nationwide.
Experts have also indicated that cassava inclusion could enhance bread production, though many bakers have yet to adopt such practices.
Senator Mustapha argued that legislation is essential to enforce compliance with expert recommendations for bread formulation.
The bill received unanimous backing during the debate and was passed for a second reading.
The Senate directed its Agriculture Committee to conduct public hearings on the matter within four weeks, signaling a commitment to advancing the cassava agenda for national development.
