A Bill for a law to provide a legal framework for the establishment of the Edo State Oil Palm Programme on Monday passed through second reading on the floor of the Edo State House of Assembly.
Leading the debate for the passage of the bill, the Majority Leader, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, said the bill, when passed, seeks to provide a legal framework for the development of the Edo State oil palm industry.
Hon. Aiguobarueghian noted that oil palm had been the mainstay of the state economy long before crude oil was discovered.
He noted that the oil palm industry was a billion-dollar industry that had the potential to boost the revenue of the state.
He added that Edo was one of the leading states in oil palm cultivation and production, hence the need for a legal framework to strengthen the sector.
“In view of the importance of this bill, I urge you all to support the passage as it will help to regulate oil palm production activities in the state,” he said.
The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Maria Edeko (PDP Esan North East II), in her contribution said that the bill, when implemented, would provide job opportunities for the youth and increase the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Other lawmakers in their contributions supported the passage of the bill, saying that the bill would secure the development of oil palm production in the state.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, thereafter, directed the bill to the House Committee on Agriculture for further action.
