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Exporting unprocessed maize becomes illegal

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By Abiodun Okunloye

Offenders will be sentenced to a year in prison or pay a fine for the goods.

To protect Nigeria’s food security, the Senate has made it illegal to Export large amounts of unprocessed maize. The nation’s continuing food crisis is being tackled head-on with the newly amended bill, which introduces a minimum one-year jail term for violators. Aiming to reduce exports of this vital crop and increase domestic processing and consumption, the bill was first introduced in the House of Representatives. Unprocessed maize in any form, including grains, fresh, on cobs, or dry, cannot be exported in commercial quantities exceeding one metric tonne, according to the revised bill.

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Everyone who exports, facilitates, or induces such exports would be guilty of a crime under the bill. Offenders may be sentenced to a year in prison, fined an amount equal to the value of the exported goods, or both if found guilty. Anyone who helps or conspires with customs officials or others to engage in these activities faces the same penalties. This bill ensures a streamlined and centralised judicial process by granting jurisdiction over cases arising from it to the Federal High Court.

Maize derivatives would strengthen the value chain in Nigeria.

Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate Leader (APC, Ekiti Central), led the debate and stressed how important it was that the bill be passed quickly. He brought attention to the nation’s food crisis and said the bill was simple since it had already been through the House’s rigorous review process. In the Senate’s plenary session, Bamidele encouraged his colleagues to back the measure, and they did so with resounding voice votes. However, there was some controversy because the bill’s original scope included maize derivatives.

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Also, to ensure that farmers were treated fairly, Senator Garba Maidoki of Kebbi South moved to remove derivatives from the bill. Their people deserve fair treatment. Maidoki made the case that they were the ones who grew the crops. His amendment was eventually approved with the support of Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central). As the session was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, he emphasised the economic advantages of concentrating only on unprocessed maize. He stressed that enabling the export of maize derivatives would strengthen the value chain in Nigeria and generate employment opportunities.

Food security will be strengthened while reducing reliance on imports.

Corn flour, cornmeal, corn gluten, cornflakes, and cornstarch are among the most common maize derivatives. The bill’s stated goal is to create jobs and boost local economies by encouraging the domestic processing of maize into these products. Once the bill clears the Senate, it will go to a conference committee for revisions to reconcile the differences with the House version. The exclusion of maize derivatives is still the main point of contention. After all issues are resolved, the bill will be sent to the president for his signature.

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A larger plan to strengthen Food Security and decrease reliance on imports. Aiming to boost food availability and bolster local agribusinesses, the Legislation seeks to retain raw maize within the country. Agricultural production in Nigeria has been hit hard by a number of problems, such as price increases, interruptions in the supply chain, and environmental concerns. An important part of the country’s Economy and food Security is the maize crop. To lessen the impact of food shortages and bolster home farming, the new laws are in harmony.

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Some parties, however, are worried about unforeseen effects, such as putting more stress on farmers and necessitating more funding for processing plants in the area. It will be crucial to strike a balance between supporting farmers and Agro-industries and enforcing this law. In conclusion, the Senate’s decision to make exporting unprocessed maize illegal is a very important step towards protecting Nigeria’s food supply. Implementation of the bill, which emphasises domestic value addition, will necessitate close cooperation and backing from all parties involved in the agricultural value chain, but it does promise economic advantages.

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