By Happiness Edeawe 

The Senate has revised the bill aimed at prohibiting the export of maize, introducing a provision for a minimum one-year jail term for individuals convicted of exporting unprocessed maize in large quantities.

The amended bill, originating from the House of Representatives, seeks to ban the exportation of maize and its derivatives in substantial commercial amounts.

Following consideration of its clauses at the Committee of the Whole, the bill was approved through voice votes by the majority of senators.

The revised provisions state that any individual who exports, facilitates the export, induces another person to export, or attempts to export unprocessed maize—whether in grains, on cobs, fresh, or dry—in large commercial quantities of at least one metric ton or more, is guilty of an offence.