Nigeria spends an incredible N1Billion on importation of rice daily, so says the nation’s minister of agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.
The minster who canvassed local production of the staple food also disclosed that the soaring penchant for consumption of imported rice has translated to an annual consumption of about five million metric tonnes per annum, also added that the figure could rise to 36 million metric tonnes by 2015.
This disclosure also coincided with the expected arrival of more ship loads of the staple food in Lagos ports next month.
Nigeria spends an incredible N1Billion on importation of rice daily, so says the nation’s minister of agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina.
The minster who canvassed local production of the staple food also disclosed that the soaring penchant for consumption of imported rice has translated to an annual consumption of about five million metric tonnes per annum, also added that the figure could rise to 36 million metric tonnes by 2015.
This disclosure also coincided with the expected arrival of more ship loads of the staple food in Lagos ports next month.
Apart from this, yesterday, a ship; Khadizar, loaded with 31,500 metric tonnes of rice is expected to have arrived at the ENL Terminal in Lagos port.
Even though details of vessels expected in the ports in April are just emerging, our correspondent confirmed yesterday that Sea Lady, Desert Peace and Genco Lorrainine are the first set of rice-laden ships that are being expected in Lagos port in April.
While Sea Lady is laden with 16,000 metric tonnes, Desert Peace and Genco Lorrainine are each expected with 30,000 metric tonnes.
Apart from these, Shipping Position Daily also confirmed that two ships; Universal Barcelona with 21,000 metric tonnes and Ikan Jenahar with 18,000 metric tonnes have arrived at the port and are waiting for berthing formalities as at yesterday.
But, the minister has assured that the habit won’t be encouraged any longer as according to him, the Federal Government has concluded plans to ban importation of rice by 2015.
He also disclosed that some states are already being used to pilot local cultivation of rice. He identified Taraba state as one of the states.
According to him, the Taraba rice project to which $40m is being committed, will lead to the production of 40 per cent of the nation’s annual rice demand.
He also said three rice mills, being established in Niger, Ebonyi and Taraba states, would be capable of providing enough rice for Nigeria.
The quality of local rice, including the Ofada rice from Ogun State, he added, would be improved upon to meet international standard and make it exportable.
“We need to encourage local production of rice; we are doing import substitution. Ofada and Abakaliki rice can compete with Thailand rice. We will improve on the quality,” Adesina assured.
Discussion about this post