By Christopher Tom, Uyo.
In its avowed commitment to ensure adequate food security for its citizens, the AkwaIbom State house of assembly (AKHA) has considered for second reading the bill for a law to establish the AkwaIbom State Bulk Purchase Agency for the state.
The bill, being an executive Bill, is sponsored by the deputy leader of the house and two-term member for NsitUbium State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob. The agency, Bob said, would be saddled with the responsibility of mitigating high cost of food stuff, ensure food security and sufficiency as well as improve the socio-economic conditions of the population at the grassroots level through delivery of relevant food items at subsidised rate, geared towards poverty reduction in the state.
He stated that the agency, which would have the state governor as the chairman, would purchase relevant food items in commercial quantities and sell same at its various depots at subsidised rates, collaborate with market associations and unions for proper coordination and supply, formulate long and short term policies for the purchase and sell of food items in the State, control and monitor the distribution and sale of food items in the State, as well as advise the government on the best method of distribution and formulate strategies for such.
Bob informed the house that foodstuff to which the law applied include garri, rice, beans, melon, wheat, millet, guinea corn, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, yam, maize, palm oil, salt, seasoning cubes, groundnut, groundnut oil, beverages and livestock. Lending support to the Bill, thechief whip, Mr.Effiong Johnson and the deputy speaker, Rt. Hon. KufreabasiEdidem, described the bill as people centred, which would have direct bearing on citizens and bring down the cost and availability of foodstuffs.
Also presented before the House for second reading was the bill for Law to establish the AkwaIbom State Infrastructure and Assets Management and Maintenance Agency. After due deliberation, the speaker, Elder UdemeOtong, referred the bills to committee on Agriculture and that of Special Duties for public hearing to be conducted on the two bills to encourage accelerated passage.
