INSTITUTE OF ANIMAL SCIENCE BILL SCALES SECOND READING The plenary session of the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, September 24th, 2014 witnessed the passage for Second reading of: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Institute of Animal Science Act No. 26 of 2007 and for other matters connected therewith Bill 2014 (SB. 504) initiated and sponsored by Senator Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka representing Ogun East Senatorial District. The bill is intended to create an enabling atmosphere for professionals in the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science to fully take advantage of government incentives and possibly transform it with a view to creating employment opportunities, generating wealth and boosting Nigeria’s economy. Senator Adegbenga Kaka led the debate stating that the bills were among some the bills passed by the Sixth National Assembly but, unfortunately, were not assented to by the President. He noted that in view of their importance to the society, the bills will go through the normal legislative processes and possible passage by the Seventh National Assembly. He identified the essence of the bill, including streamlining the existing Act to improve safety in the practice of animal science. The legislation will also amend minor sections of the existing Act to conform to modern realities across the globe. This will address most of the shortcomings identified, which rendered the law inefficient and hamper the growth of animal science in the country. He observed that a series of inefficiencies in the current law have reduced the Institute into a toothless bulldog. Senator Kaka added that the new legislation would enhance the practice of animal science in Nigeria through constant monitoring and supervision of the subsector for improved standard. He stressed that it will instill sanity and uprightness in the practice of animal science in the country. Above all, Senator Kaka disclosed that the bill, when passed into law, will provide a lot of economic advantages that will boost the sector through increased participation of individuals, providing more accessible and healthy meat for human consumption as well as creating more employment and generating wealth for the citizenry. Other Senators who contributed in favor of the bill include; Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha, Sen. Umaru Dahiru, Sen. Bernabas Gemade, Sen. Benedict Ayade, and Senate President David Mark. The bill was put to question before the distinguished chamber by the Senate President and it scaled through second reading. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture to report back in two weeks. Report from the Media Office of Senator Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka (Ogun East).
Posted on: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 18:46:00 +0000