ABUJA, Nigeria – The House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, passed a bill imposing a sentence of 20 years imprisonment and an N80 million fine on anyone convicted of importing or exporting explosives, either via sea or air.
The bill, which aims to repeal the Explosives Act 1964 and enact a new Explosives Bill, was adopted at the Committee of the Whole.
It regulates the manufacture, storage, possession, use, distribution, purchase, sale, transportation, importation, and exportation of explosives.
Peter Akpatason, Deputy Majority Leader, stated that the bill intends to ensure the control of explosives in Nigeria for safer national operations.
The legislation stipulates that, in cases where illegal importation or exportation is performed via sea or air, the vessel or aircraft’s owner and master could be held liable, facing a fine of at least N80 million.
Further, the bill states that explosives, ingredients, or substances used in the commission of an offence under this Act can be forfeited to the Federal Government upon conviction.
It also provides that licenses, permits, or certificates can be revoked, suspended, or varied.
The House of Representatives provided a six-month grace period for those holding licenses, permits, and certificates to continue manufacturing, selling, and transporting before the enforcement of the new Act.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the manufacture, storage, possession, use, distribution, purchase, sale, transportation, importation, or exportation of this sensitive susbtance must be authorized by an official gazette issued by the Minister.
These orders are to be enforced by the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigeria Police Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit at the point of entry.
