In a decisive move to combat escalating hunger, Nigeria's Senate has passed a bill criminalizing the export of unprocessed corn in quantities exceeding one metric ton. This legislation, pending presidential assent to become law, aims to bolster domestic food security by restricting the outflow of a staple crop vital to the nation's diet and economy.
The bill stipulates that individuals or entities found exporting unprocessed corn in amounts of one metric ton or more would face penalties, including fines equivalent to the value of the exported corn or imprisonment for up to one year. This stringent measure underscores the government's commitment to ensuring an adequate domestic supply of corn, which is integral to various food products and animal feed.
This legislative action comes at a critical time as Nigeria grapples with its most severe cost-of-living crisis in decades. Economic challenges have been exacerbated by austerity reforms implemented under President Bola Tinubu, including the removal of a long-standing petrol subsidy and a devaluation of the naira currency, both of which have fueled inflation.
The weakened naira has led to informal exports of staple commodities like corn, rice, and sorghum to neighboring countries, where traders take advantage of favorable exchange rates with the West African CFA franc. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects Nigeria's corn exports will rise to 75,000 metric tons in 2024/25, up from 50,000 metric tons this year. Meanwhile, domestic consumption stands at about 12 million metric tons annually, with Nigeria importing roughly 100,000 metric tons to meet demand.
The Senate's decision aligns with a joint report by the Nigerian government and the United Nations, which projects that over 30 million Nigerians will experience food insecurity next year—a one-third increase from the previous year. By restricting the export of unprocessed corn, lawmakers hope to alleviate pressure on domestic supplies and address the growing hunger crisis.
This legislative initiative reflects a broader effort to prioritize domestic food security and ensure that essential staples remain available and affordable for the Nigerian populace. As the bill awaits presidential approval, its potential impact on both the agricultural sector and the nation's hunger alleviation strategies remains a topic of significant discussion.
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