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The Federal Government is re-strategising on its actions against rice importation after a high number of these activities were recorded recently in Nigeria.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar had pointed this out at the meeting of the Steering Committee of National Task Force on the Illegal Importation of Rice through the Land Borders that held in Abuja.
Abubakar said that the Nigerian rice industry had recorded significant patronage and consumption of local rice production grew.
But with the resumption of smuggling activities, particularly through the land borders, there is a new major challenge ahead for rice production in Nigeria.
Rice smuggling poses a serious threat to the ministries achievements and must not be disregarded, Abubakar noted. The FG further laments that it is unable to boost gains in agriculture, having invested heavily in the subsector.
More so, the ministry risks all government efforts to improve the local rice industry and make them sustainable.
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Smuggling activities are often backed by the demand for high-quality rice that is also rich in taste. In contrast, the FG maintained that the quantity and quality of Nigerian milled rice had increased.
The ministry also said that local rice was becoming more competitive and a consumers’ favourite.
The rapid increase in smuggling activities works against consumers and hit them with volatility. The prices of local rice were beneficial to consumers more than smuggled foreign rice.
Rice production has the potential of promoting food security, but only with local production. However, the sector is unable to keep up with the demand.
It will also become necessary to increase productivity as well as the stability, sustainability of the economy and environment. An increase in production will back the country in its population and hunger combat.
The FG is resolved that if the Nigerian customs continue border patrols and Nigerians patronize locally produced rice, this will deter smugglers of foreign rice into the country.
