National Assembly Adopted Food Security Bill With New Private Sector Provision

By Fatou Sillah

The National Assembly on Tuesday adopted the National Food Security Corporation Bill 2025, a key legislative measure aimed at strengthening the country’s food security framework and repositioning the corporation as a more financially sustainable entity. The bill was presented by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, and Food Security, Demba Sabally.

During detailed scrutiny of the bill, lawmakers examined each clause and proposed amendments to enhance the implementation framework. Notably, Honorable Sainey Jawara, the member representing Lower Saloum, introduced a new Clause 33 that mandates a portion of certain imported food products to be sourced from the National Food Security Corporation.

Under the amendment, private sector importers would be required to procure ten percent of imported commodities from the corporation whenever it produces similar goods domestically. The minister is empowered to issue regulations detailing how the arrangement would be enforced.

“The bill seeks to change the corporation’s name to better reflect its core mandate and strategic objectives,” Minister Sabally said. “It is part of a broader effort to turn around the corporation’s financial performance, expand its product portfolio, and strengthen management and administration.”

The legislation also aims to reduce the corporation’s reliance on government subventions, following a planned recapitalization initiative. According to the bill’s accompanying report, the corporation has undertaken major reforms to achieve profitability, self-sufficiency, and the delivery of essential agribusiness services, particularly supporting smallholder farmers and underserved communities.

“The act will broaden the corporation’s operational scope, allowing it to trade in non-agricultural products to enhance financial sustainability, create new revenue streams, and improve access and affordability of essential goods,” the report states.

Following its adoption, the bill was referred to the Assembly Business Committee for further readings and implementation planning.