The House of Representatives has concluded arrangements to convene a one-day public hearing on a proposed amendment to the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) Act, Cap. N78, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 on Thursday.
The legislation under consideration titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Sugar Development Council Act and for Related Matters (HB.2022 and HB.2030),” seeks to redefine the functions and powers of the Council and mandate that all monies received by the Council be paid into the Federation Account, in line with Section 162 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
Akin Rotimi, the House spokesman in a statement released on Saturday disclosed that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas is the chief host of the event.
Chairman of the House Committee on Industry, Enitan Badru, while aepakeomg ahead of the stakeholders engagement noted that “This public hearing underscores the House of Representatives’ dedication to ensuring that sectoral reforms are guided by accountability, stakeholders’ input, and adherence to constitutional principles.
“We are determined to align our laws with contemporary realities, enhance transparency in revenue management, and empower the sugar sector to play a stronger role in Nigeria’s industrial development.”
A long list of the stakeholders invited for the one-day interface include the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
Others include the National Sugar Development Council, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Nigeria Customs Service, Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
Also invited are the Dangote Sugar Refinery PLC, BUA Sugar Refinery LTD, Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC, Golden Sugar Company LTD, members of the Sugar Road Map Implementation Committee and other stakeholders in the sugar sub-sector.
The statement implored all critical stakeholders and esteemed member of the public to participate in the event and also submit their memorandum for deliberations.
