From Rahila Abdullahi, Kaduna
Moved by the need to provide a framework for religious activities, Kaduna State House of Assembly has passed the Bill establishing the State Commission for Religious Affairs into law.
It also passed a Bill for a Law to establish the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Fund into law, following the presentation and adoption of reports on the bills during plenary.
Giving a highlight on the bill establishing the Kaduna State Commission for Religious Affairs, the Chairman of the House Committee on Inter-faith, Naziru Abubakar said the commission would serve as a proactive structure to address religious tensions, foster harmony and support government’s engagement with religious institutions.
Abubakar, who represents Kawo Constituency, emphasised that the commission was not designed to interfere with religious practices, but to ensure that religion does not become a source of division in the state.
Speaking on the Bill establishing the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Fund, the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, Abdullahi Bello said the fund would serve as a specialised financial instrument aimed at supporting the growth, modernisation and sustainability of agriculture across the state.
Bello said the proposed fund is a long-overdue intervention to revitalise the agricultural sector, which remains a key component of its economy.
Similarly, amid growing concerns over security threats, environmental degradation and unregulated business practices, the House adopted a motion calling for the regulation of metal waste vendors.
The motion, sponsored by the member representing Doka/Gabasawa Constituency, Aminu Anty, was adopted after the presentation and adoption of a report by the member representing Zaria City Constituency, Mahmud Ismaila.
Addressing journalists after the adoption of the motion, Ismaila said while the scrap metal business plays a significant role in the informal economy, the activities of vendors require urgent oversight due to its association with rising illegal trade activities.
The lawmaker maintained that the unregulated activities of metal waste vendors had led to theft and vandalisation of public infrastructure, including electric cables, streetlights, railway tracks and water pipes.
He also called on community leaders and the general public to assist government by monitoring their activities.
