The House of Representatives is making moves to maximise the utilisation and economic potential of gum arabic to increase revenue generation for the country.
The House passed a bill for second reading on Thursday, sponsored by Mohammed Tahir Monguno, titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish Gum Arabic Research Institute; and for Related Matters”.
Monguno said gum arabic is a high source of revenue, as could be seen in other countries such as Sudan.
He added that it is important for Nigeria to develop the gum Arabic value chain, especially considering the need for revenue from the export of profitable commodities.
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The lawmaker noted that the establishment of the institute will ensure the coordination of the exploitation, development and exportation of gum arabic products.
Monguno said, “It is used as an emulsifier and a thickening agent in icing, filling, chewing gum and other confectionery treats.
“The importance of harnessing the potential of gum Arabic cannot be over-emphasised as gum Arabic is harnessed in my state, which is from Yobe State, down to Sokoto State and therefore has a large coverage.
“Gum arabic is a natural gum originally constituting of the hardened sap of two species of acacia tree. It is also an edible, dried gummy exudate from the tree of Acacia Seyal”.
The bill was voted on, approved for second reading and referred to the Committee of the Whole.
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