A Bill seeking to amend the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) Act, Cap. A12, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 (as amended), to provide for the establishment of a National Hydroponics Training and Research Centre in Saki East, Oyo State, has been formally presented for Second Reading in the House of Representatives.
The proposed legislation, designated HB.1358, is sponsored by Hon. Kareem Tajudeen Abisodun, the lawmaker representing Saki West, Saki East and Atisbo Federal Constituency. The Bill is aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural research and innovation framework through the institutionalization of modern hydroponic farming systems within the national research architecture.
According to the explanatory memorandum, the Bill seeks to expand the mandate of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria by establishing a specialized national centre dedicated to hydroponics training, research, innovation and technology transfer. The proposed centre is expected to serve as a focal institution for advancing soilless farming techniques, climate-smart agriculture, and high-efficiency food production systems in response to the challenges of land degradation, water scarcity and climate change.
If enacted, the National Hydroponics Training and Research Centre would be responsible for developing and disseminating best practices in hydroponic agriculture, conducting applied and adaptive research, training farmers, agripreneurs, extension workers and students, as well as collaborating with local and international research institutions. The centre is also expected to support policy development and provide technical guidance to stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
Hon. Abisodun, in sponsoring the Bill, emphasized that the initiative aligns with national priorities on food security, youth empowerment, job creation and sustainable agricultural development. He noted that hydroponic farming offers significant advantages, including higher yields, reduced water usage, year-round production, and suitability for both urban and peri-urban agriculture, making it a critical innovation for Nigeria’s growing population.
The choice of Saki East, Oyo State, as the host community underscores the strategic importance of the area within Nigeria’s agrarian economy. The establishment of the centre is expected to boost local economic activities, create employment opportunities, attract research investments, and position the region as a national hub for advanced agricultural training and innovation.
Lawmakers and stakeholders have described the Bill as timely, particularly in the context of rising food prices, insecurity affecting traditional farming areas, and the urgent need to modernize Nigeria’s agricultural sector. The proposed amendment is also seen as complementary to ongoing federal initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy and reducing dependence on food imports.
Following its Second Reading, the Bill is expected to be referred to the relevant House Committee for further legislative scrutiny, stakeholder engagement and public hearings before consideration at the committee stage and possible passage into law.
If passed and assented to, HB.1358 would mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural reform agenda, reinforcing the role of research, innovation and technology-driven solutions in achieving sustainable national development.
