By Ethel A Tweh
The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has passed into law a bill, granting the National Food Assistance Agency (NFAA) an autonomous status. The decision comes as a result of a report by the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon proffered the Bill last year, seeking to make the NFAA autonomous.
In his communication to plenary, Senator Dillon said the agency’s function and responsibilities are very cardinal to the food security of the nation.
He noted that the NFAA was established by an Executive Order in the 70s, and has been operating with the statutory mandate to coordinate all food assistance programs on behalf of the Government of Liberia.
Based on his communication, the Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry recommended that the plenary should pass the bill into law.
The Committee that is chaired by Margibi County Senator Jim Tornonlah, said NFAA should be financed through the National Budget and donor partners.
It noted in its report that the Government of Liberia intends to encourage investment in such sectors to ensure sustainable development and realization of food security in line with the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to end poverty.
The Committee’s report however states that the Government of Liberia and its international partners endeavor to strengthen Agro-Liberia Institutions to take responsibilities in the management.
Based on the Senate’s mandate for reform, it voted thru head counts to know who’s in favor or against.
Sixteen Senators voted in favor of the Committee’s recommendation while two voted against it. Bong County Senator Prince K. Moye made the motion to pass the bill into law. Editing by Jonathan Browne
