DSP Barau Jibrin says Kwara Sen. Mustapha’s cassava flour bill is in national interest
The cassava flour bill sponsored by the Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Senator Saliu Mustapha has been described as a national interest bill.
This was the underlying position of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin while contributing to the debate on the bill on Tuesday.
The proposed legislation seeks to make it mandatory for wheat flour producers and importers to include 20% high-quality cassava flour in their products.
Barau Jibrin’s position underscores the significance of the bill as a national priority.
While contributing to the debate on the floor of the Red Chamber, the Kano lawmaker emphasized that the bill addresses critical issues of economic sustainability and national self-reliance.
“This bill is all about our national interest. It is important to utilize what we produce everywhere in this country. Every state produces cassava, and experts have confirmed that incorporating cassava into wheat flour is good for bread production,” he said.
Senator Mustapha, in his argument for the bill, noted that Nigeria spends over $3 billion annually on wheat importation, which negatively impacts the economy by creating trade imbalances, depleting foreign exchange, and fostering food dependency.
He argued that the inclusion of cassava in wheat flour production would not only save costs but also stimulate job creation in the agriculture sector.
The Deputy Senate President also further criticized the reluctance of Nigerian bakers to adopt cassava flour despite its proven benefits.
“We need legislation because bakers have refused to comply with the recommendations from experts. This law will enforce the use of cassava in bread production, ultimately helping our farmers and conserving foreign exchange,” he added.
Former Senate President Ahmad Lawan also weighed in, recalling efforts under former President Goodluck Jonathan to promote cassava-based bread. Lawan urged the government to continue diversifying the economy by supporting such initiatives.
After robust deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Agriculture for further legislative action. The committee is expected to organize a public hearing and report back within four weeks.
If enacted, the cassava flour bill could become a transformative law, enhancing food security, reducing Nigeria’s reliance on wheat imports, and bolstering the nation’s agricultural economy.
