On a recent Wednesday, the Senate of Nigeria revised a crucial bill designed to prohibit the export of maize, incorporating robust provisions that impose a minimum one-year jail sentence for those found guilty of exporting significant quantities of unprocessed maize. This legislative move follows the bill’s origin in the House of Representatives and reflects swathes of consideration by the Committee of the Whole. The Senate ultimately passed the revised bill through majority voice votes, underlining a strong consensus among legislators regarding the urgency of the issue.
The main provisions of the amended bill designate harsh penalties for individuals who engage in, or facilitate the export of unprocessed maize in large commercial quantities, defined as one metric ton or more. This includes not just the act of exporting, but any actions that induce or assist in this unlawful trade. Penalties for offenders include both substantial monetary fines reflective of the value of the exported goods and potential imprisonment for up to one year. Additionally, the bill extends liability to Customs officers or any person involved in conspiring to evacuate these prohibited products from the country, establishing that the Federal High Court will hold jurisdiction over related offenses.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Ekiti Central, spearheaded the debate on the bill. During his presentation, he emphasized the bill’s aim not only to prevent the export of maize but also to address the critical food crisis currently afflicting Nigeria. Bamidele characterized the legislation as straightforward and highlighted that it had already undergone necessary legislative processes in the House, making a strong case for its swift passage through the Senate.
However, during the session, an amendment proposed by Senator Garba Maidoki from Kebbi South aimed to exempt maize derivatives from the bill. Maidoki argued that such a step would ensure fairness to local farmers, reminding his colleagues of the agricultural community’s role in maize production. Other senators, such as Aminu Abbas from Adamawa Central, lent their support to this amendment, asserting that excluding derivatives like corn flour and cornstarch was important for the livelihoods of those involved in the agricultural sector.
Following discussions around the amendment, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin presided over the session and ultimately approved the proposal, limiting the bill’s export prohibition to maize itself, without extending it to derivatives. Jibrin articulated that allowing the export of maize derivatives could foster job creation in the country, as these products are integral to the value chain of maize production. This perspective aligned with the broader economic goals of the legislation while considering the needs of various stakeholders.
With the new adjustments, the bill now faces a critical phase as both chambers of the National Assembly will convene a conference committee. The purpose of this committee will be to reconcile any discrepancies regarding the inclusion of maize derivatives and find common ground before the bill is finalized for presidential assent. This process underscores the legislative framework in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between different branches of government to address relevant social and economic challenges effectively.
