The All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria has criticized the Senate’s recent passage of a bill to criminalise the export of maize, which includes a minimum one-year jail term for offenders.
Specifically, the AFAN Chairman, Ifraimu Dauda, during an interview with the press, said the bill is “ill-conceived,” saying that farmers should have the right to sell their produce wherever they receive the best price.
The Senate, on Wednesday, approved the bill during plenary.
The legislation, which originated from the House of Representatives, prohibits the export of unprocessed maize in quantities of at least one metric ton, introducing penalties that include fines or imprisonment.
The bill states: “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 is guilty of an offence.”
Dauda contended that the restrictions would negatively impact commercial farmers, who rely on export opportunities for profit maximisation.
He noted that while smallholder farmers producing for local consumption might remain unaffected, large-scale mechanised farmers would suffer.
“Farmers are in business to maximise profits and minimise costs. A restriction on exports denies them access to competitive pricing in international markets,” Dauda said.
The AFAN chairman also warned of unintended consequences, including increased local maize prices due to exporters sourcing supplies through informal channels.
Dauda urged the government to clarify its objectives and prepare contingency plans in case the policy backfires.
“The long-term impact on the agricultural sector and food security must be carefully assessed,” he added.
The bill will now proceed to a conference committee to address outstanding issues, including the treatment of maize derivatives. Its passage has sparked wider debates on balancing agricultural exports with local food security.