Nigeria’s Senate has approved a bill that imposes stringent penalties on the exportation of unprocessed maize, including a minimum one-year prison sentence for offenders. The legislation, aimed at safeguarding the nation’s food security and stimulating job creation, passed through voice votes on Wednesday after a clause-by-clause review in the Committee of the Whole.
The bill, initially proposed by the House of Representatives, prohibits the export of unprocessed maize—whether in grain, cob, fresh, or dried form—in quantities exceeding one metric ton. Violators face fines equivalent to the value of the exported goods, imprisonment, or both. Customs officers and other individuals who aid or conspire in such exports are also subject to prosecution, with cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), presenting the bill, described it as a direct response to Nigeria’s ongoing food crisis. “The bill ensures that maize, a staple in our food system, is retained for domestic use, strengthening food security and supporting local farmers,” Bamidele stated.
A significant amendment, however, was introduced by Garba Maidoki (PDP, Kebbi South), who argued for the removal of maize derivatives—such as corn flour, cornmeal, and cornstarch—from the bill’s restrictions. The amendment, seconded by Aminu Abbas (PDP, Adamawa Central), was approved by the Senate and supported by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session. Jibrin emphasised that permitting the exportation of processed maize derivatives would promote value addition and job creation.
“The derivatives are part of the value chain, and their production creates employment,” Jibrin noted, advocating for policies that encourage domestic processing industries.
With this adjustment, the bill will now proceed to a conference committee of the National Assembly for harmonisation, where legislators will resolve differences between the Senate and House versions before presenting it to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
The legislation reflects the government’s broader strategy to address food insecurity while fostering economic opportunities through industrialisation and agricultural value chains.
