By Abba-Eku Onyeka, Abuja
The Senate has taken a significant step towards promoting cassava production in Nigeria, with the introduction of a bill aimed at ensuring the inclusion of cassava in flour and its derivatives.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Saliu Mustapha (Kwara Central), seeks to promote the utilization of locally produced cassava in bread baking, thereby reducing the country’s reliance on imported wheat.
Contributing to the debate on the bill, Deputy Senate President Barau I Jibrin emphasized the importance of utilizing local ingredients in bread production.
“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 concluded that using a certain amount of cassava added to wheat is good for us in bread baking.”
Senator Jibrin noted that despite the benefits of using cassava in bread production, bakers have refused to comply with expert recommendations.
He asked: “Now, legislation should be enacted to enforce them to use this formula. Simple, am I right?”
The introduction of this bill is a significant step towards promoting cassava production in Nigeria and reducing the country’s reliance on imported wheat. If passed, the bill is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and provide opportunities for cassava farmers and producers.
