Senate moves to mandate cassava in flour production

The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step toward reducing the country’s reliance on wheat imports by advancing a bill to mandate the inclusion of cassava in flour production.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central), had its second reading in Abuja on Tuesday.

The bill addresses the soaring cost of wheat, particularly due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has exacerbated global wheat shortages and raised prices.

Senator Mustapha highlighted that this rise in wheat costs has negatively impacted Nigerians, especially in the price of bread, a staple food.

He noted that the continued importation of wheat leads to trade imbalances, loss of foreign exchange, and increased food dependency.

Under the proposed legislation, Nigeria would require that 20% of all flour produced or imported into the country be made from high-quality cassava flour. This mandate aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on wheat while promoting the agricultural sector, particularly cassava farming, which would help stimulate job creation and enhance Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings from cassava exports.

Senator Mustapha emphasized that the bill’s passage would have wide-ranging economic benefits, reducing reliance on foreign wheat and improving the nation’s agricultural output.

“Encouraging cassava farming to create a sustainable market for cassava flour with a regulatory mandate of publishing regulations on the proportion of cassava flour to wheat flour in edible flour production and tax incentives for producers of mixed wheat and cassava flour and wheat importers who include cassava flour in imported wheat.

“The passage of this bill will enhance the efficiency of cassava production and processing operations. Cassava is a choice crop for rural development, poverty alleviation, economic growth, and ultimately, food security,” he said.

Many senators expressed support for the bill during the debate.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said, “This bill is about our national interest. It is important to utilise what we produce everywhere in this country—north, south, and everywhere. Every state produces cassava. It is one of the crops you can find nationwide.

“Experts have concluded that adding a certain amount of cassava to wheat is good for bread baking. However, bakers have refused to align with the study findings. Now, legislation should be enacted to enforce compliance.”

Following the debate, the Senate passed the bill for a second reading and directed its Committee on Agriculture to conduct a public hearing within four weeks.