By Nura Ridwan Ibrahim
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to facilitate cassava farmers’ hitched free access to short-term loans, which would align with the efforts of bolstering food security and broadening agricultural value chain.
Additionally, the House also called on the Federal Government to refurbish the Composite Cassava Flour Initiative 2002, which is the Presidential Committee on the Cassava Initiative Programme, in order to promote value additions, agro-research development, and farmer support.
Read Also: Nigeria to save N3trn annually from cassava bioethanol – Shettima
Read Also: Sasakawa calls for more awareness on improved cassava seed
Nigeria is the world’s top cassava producer, accounting for 18% of global output with over 61 million metric tons annually.
This call followed a motion presented by Hon. Canice Nwachukwu (APC, Imo) during the plenary session, held on Wednesday, 29th 2025.
Nwachukwu noted that cassava cultivation has become one of Nigeria’s most organised and promising agricultural ventures, with broad processing for food produce, livestock feed, and industrial applications. He also revealed that cassava by-products, such as garri, have become major export commodities, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.
The lawmaker explained that cassava, grown in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, serves multiple economic and nutritional purposes. Beyond its use as food, cassava peels and starch derivatives are valuable in livestock feed production, pharmaceuticals, and industrial manufacturing.
According to him, easy access to short-term loans and modern processing equipment would revolutionise cassava farming and enhance farmers’ income and productivity.
“If cassava processing machines and short-term loans are provided, farmers can transform cassava into garri and fufu hygienically and efficiently. This will boost market value, improve food quality, and help farmers contribute more to national GDP,” he said.
Nwachukwu added that Nigeria could cruise to greater economic diversification by nurturing cassava’s export prospects, using it as a viable alternative for oil in foreign earnings.
The lawmaker was anxious that, inspite of Nigeria’s leading role in cassava production, it still processes about 90% of its yield locally, largely at the cottage level using rudimentary technology.
He uncovered that, “Most processors are women who work under poor hygienic conditions with limited access to credit and modern equipment. These challenges result in low productivity, poor packaging, and minimal profits along the value chain.”
Following extensive deliberations, the House urged the CBN to direct the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry, and other financial institutions to come up with mechanisms guaranteeing cassava farmers simpler access to short-term credit facilities.
Additionally, the House mandated the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to embark on extensive trainings for peasant farmers on cassava productions, processing, and packaging for improvement, and meeting with global standards and competitiveness.
The House further directed the Committees on Agricultural Production and Services and Legislative Compliance to monitor proper implementation and, report back within four weeks for further suitable and effective legislative actions.
