Experts task NASS on legislative framework on agricultural extension agents

Experts in the agricultural sector have called on the National Assembly to expedite action on a bill seeking to establish a legislative framework for farm extension workers in Nigeria.

They said passing the bill would help address the country’s food insecurity challenges.

The experts made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the launch of Digitising Agricultural Knowledge by Extension Africa, an agri-tech firm specialising in training extension workers across Africa.

The event was attended by farmers and agricultural experts.

Speaking on the proposed legislation, the President of the Nigerian Forum for Agricultural Advisory Services, Fadlullah Olayiwola, stressed the need for lawmakers to prioritise the bill, noting that well-trained extension workers are critical to ensuring food security.

“Expedited action must be taken for this bill to scale through. It aims to regulate agricultural extension services—focusing on research and policy—by standardising the sector. For example, there are private agencies involved in extension services, and without proper regulation, we risk going back to square one. I urge the National Assembly to act swiftly on this bill,” he said.
He further noted that Nigeria’s agricultural sector urgently requires interventions to boost productivity and meet growing food demands.

While acknowledging the importance of research, he emphasised that extension workers play a vital role in translating research into practical solutions for farmers.

“A closer look at agriculture in Nigeria reveals a dire need for solutions, especially given how agricultural extension services have been managed. Extension is supposed to be the backbone of agriculture.

“Huge sums spent on research are wasted if the technology doesn’t reach the field. Who ensures it gets to the field? That chain is broken, and as long as it remains so, progress will be impossible.

“Government must understand that there is no alternative to functional extension services; it must be a top priority. Research institutes don’t directly benefit farmers because their outputs are not communicated in a way farmers understand. Extension workers bridge that gap, translating research into practical language for farmers,” he explained.