Nation
Bill To Enforce Local Processing Of Raw Materials Scales 2nd Reading …Set to Boost Local Industries
A Bill to mandate local processing of at least 30 per cent of raw materials in the country before exportation last Tuesday passed second reading in the Senate.
The piece of legislation, which aims to amend the Raw Materials Research and Development Council Act, 2022, introducing provisions for local processing and production protection, was sponsored by Senator Peter Nwebonyi( Ebonyi North).
Senator Nwebonyi, in his lead debate on the bill during plenary, argued that mandating local processing would boost local manufacturing industries, create jobs for Nigerians, reduce dependence on imports and the demand for foreign exchange.
His words, “Promoting local processing to a minimum of 30 percent or more will add value to our economy, particularly to our Naira. It will also encourage innovation within our local industries, leading to a significant increase in domestic production.”
Senator Nwebonyi added that the bill, if enacted, would shield Nigerian manufacturers from foreign competition by regulating the importation of raw materials that could be processed locally, fostering a favourable environment for domestic industries to thrive.
In his contribution, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, commended the sponsor of the bill for his thoughts and innovation towards founding and re-energising the nation’s economy, lamenting that “day in and day out, raw materials are exported out of this country to develop other economies.”
“We have the capacity, human capital, and technical resources to act on these raw materials and to process these raw materials. And by not doing so, we are undermining our economy while allowing for the promotion of other economies.
“Once this bill is passed, it will now be mandatory that these raw materials be processed here, at least 30 per cent.
This will energise our economy by providing jobs and promoting our real sector. Our real sector will be energised; we will go up and running. It’s very straightforward.
“Several industries will emerge because it will now be mandatory that you don’t engage in this lazy attitude of taking raw materials outside the shores of this country. This raw material must be processed here,” he explained.
The Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Kamorudeen Oyewumi however, raised concerns about the bill’s practicality, particularly in sectors lacking local processing capacity.
He said: “There is a need for amendments due to the nature of some products. We assume that all these products should not be exported raw, but what about when there are no companies to process them locally?”
While warning that strict enforcement of the bill could harm local farmers who rely on export markets for raw materials, he advised against granting blanket approval, “as farmers may incur losses if raw materials cannot be.
Nneka Amaechi -Nnadi
The Alliance Française Port Harcourt in conjunction with the Embassy of France Nigeria over the weekend joined the globe to campaign against the 2025 gender- based violence (GBV) with the theme: “16 Days of Activism Against Gender- Based Voice”
The event which took place at the event Hall of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt was in collaboration with the Female in Gaming Network, ( FIGN) and partnership with Nexal a body that seeks to promote online safety and responsible digital behaviour.
The Tide reports that the project which was aimed at promoting digital safety and girls inclusion in Gaming, with the initiative tagged ‘Gameover Gender- Base Violence’was part of the global campaign against gender- based Violence.
The activity which experienced a flavour of festivity was full of fun and excitements as participants took part in tournaments on popular digital games such as Mario kart and EAFC 25, with an intent to creating safer and more inclusive digital spaces.
The Director of the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal said that these activities were designed to encourage inclusion of girls, team work and fair play on online gaming spaces, saying that the gaming world reflects these inequalities, where female players are often under represented.
According to her the main objectives of the initiative was to provide a supportive environment for girls and female in gaming network.
“GameOverGBV” is a project created to reshape this landscape by offering an innovative inclusiveness of girls on online digital Gaming community and digital environments that provide opportunities for creativity, learning and connection, but also fight against Gender-Based Violence Digital Gaming,”she said
She however, explained that the Digital Game, sport competitions, was launched to strengthen social and digital skills through games, workshops, and raise awareness among all young participants about respect, equality and digital citizenship.
The Tide News reports that in Port Harcourt, the competition brought together 100 young participants from three major universities: University of Port Harcourt, ( UNIPORT),Ignatius Ajuru University of Education(IAUE) and Rivers State University (RSU)as well as students from four selected secondary schools, Oginigba comprehensive Secondary.School, Vine lnternational, Virgo predicanda lnternational, and Excellent Montessori Secondary school.
“This is an approach where girls and boys can learn, play and collaborate in a more respectful and safe space for young women, while ensuring a safe, enjoyable and respectful digital environment. It also expose young women to cyberbullying, exclusion, sexist comments and online hate,” Mrs. Lacal said.
Earlier, a game developer Sophia Nei and her. team had engaged participants in an interactive session with the theme: “Can Video Games Be Safe Spaces For Girls?”
However, Mrs Nei and her team educated the girls on the benefits and violence on online digital gaming and urged them ( participants)to learn to say ‘No’ to Online hate, sexist and cyber bullying, while encouraging them(students) to stand up for themselves by reporting such issues to the appropriate authority.
Highlight of the competition was the awarding of prizes to winners by the Director of Alliance Française, Mrs Marina Lacal.
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