By Faridat Salifu
The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, December 4, passed a bill aimed at prohibiting the export of unprocessed maize, with penalties including a minimum one-year jail term for offenders.
The legislation, which originated from the House of Representatives, seeks to curb the export of maize and its derivatives in substantial commercial quantities, as part of efforts to address the nation’s food security challenges.
The bill, which was passed after a voice vote, stipulates that anyone who exports, facilitates, induces, or attempts to export unprocessed maize, whether in grain form, on cobs, fresh, or dried would be committing an offence if the quantity is at least one metric ton.
Convictions under the law could result in a fine equal to the monetary value of the goods exported or imprisonment for one year, or both.
Customs officers or other individuals who assist in the illegal exportation of maize will also face the same penalties as exporters, underlining the bill’s focus on enforcement.
The Federal High Court has been designated as the jurisdiction for prosecuting violations under this new law, marking a significant step in strengthening the country’s agricultural and trade regulations in the context of the growing food security crisis.
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In a significant development, the bill was amended during the debate, with the provision for banning maize derivatives such as cornmeal, corn flour, and cornstarch being removed.
The amendment was proposed by Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South), who argued that banning maize derivatives could negatively impact local producers.
His proposal was seconded by Senator Aminu Abbas (Adamawa Central).
The Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, supported the amendment, stating that allowing the export of maize derivatives would encourage job creation and economic growth.
“Derivatives are part of the value chain, and we must support initiatives that generate employment opportunities in the country,” he said.
With the amendment approved, the bill now excludes maize derivatives, a decision that will require further harmonisation between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
A conference committee is expected to convene to resolve the differences before the bill is sent to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who presented the bill for debate, emphasised that the legislation was crucial in tackling the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria.
He urged his colleagues to support the bill, which, he said, had already passed through the required legislative procedures in the House of Representatives.
