The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to prohibit the exportation of unprocessed maize in large quantities, introducing a minimum one-year jail term for violators.
The bill, originally passed by the House of Representatives, aims to address the country’s food crisis by curbing the export of unprocessed maize and encouraging local value addition.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), who presented the lead debate, stated that the legislation was designed to enhance food security and support domestic processing industries.
“This bill is straightforward and necessary to tackle the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria,” he said.
The bill stipulates that anyone caught exporting, attempting to export, or aiding the export of unprocessed maize—whether as grains, on cobs, fresh, or dry—in quantities of at least one metric ton will face a fine equivalent to the value of the goods or imprisonment for one year, or both. Additionally, customs officers who abet such acts will face similar penalties.
During deliberations, Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) proposed an amendment to exclude maize derivatives, such as corn flour, cornmeal, and cornstarch, from the bill. He argued that banning derivative exports could harm local farmers.
The amendment, supported by Senator Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central), was approved.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, noted that allowing derivatives promotes job creation through value chain development.
The differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill will be resolved by a conference committee before the legislation is sent to the President for assent.
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