Import Waiver: Reps Urged To Address The Collapse Of Rice Farming In Nigeria

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

The House of Representatives has called on the federal government to address the collapse of local rice farming in Nigeria due to the import Waiver granted on rice.

The call followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Muhammed Buba Jajere at the Plenary on Wednesday.

Presenting the motion, the lawmaker lamented that, the 180-day import duty waiver granted by the Federal Government to import husked brown rice and other food items has severely impacted local producers, thus leading to the reduction in the demand for local rice, leaving farmers with unsold products and forcing rice mills to shut down or scale back operations.

He recalled that the policies of late former President Muhammed Buhari have discouraged the importation of rice and increased large-scale farming, leading to establishment of rice mill across the country, thereby creating employment for millions of citizens as well as improving the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

He said, “The unchecked smuggling of rice through porous borders has made legitimate operators uncompetitive, compromised food safety, and emboldened criminal activities.

“Frequent changes in government policies have disrupted the agricultural production value chain, making it challenging for farmers to plan for the future

“If this is not addressed appropriately, the country may be losing billions of naira due to the closure of most of these rice mills, which will lead to many Nigerians losing their jobs”.

The House adopted the motion and mandate the Committee on Agricultural Production and Services to investigate the Collapse of Local Rice Farming and Rice Mill in Nigeria and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.