Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said the current waiver regime being enjoyed by rice importers in Nigeria is hampering local production of the commodity and should be phased out.
Tambuwal stated preliminary studies undertaken showed that despite efforts to boost local rice production, unfavourable government policies especially with regards to waiver to importers, coupled with other policies, is proving to be impediment to states’ objectives to achieve local self-sufficiency.
Speaking when he received the new Customs Area Controller for Sokoto Zamfara and Kebbi states, Alhaji Muhammad Kabir, who paid a courtesy call to the Governor, Tambuwal reiterated the fact that the quality of rice produced locally is of international standard and far better than many of the ones imported into the country.
He stated government will not stop to support farmers in the rice producing areas to enable them acquire standard facilities that will process their produce.
As stated by Tambuwal, Nigeria has what it takes to produce enough rice to meet local needs and export same. “We have the potential to meet Africa’s rice needs,” he also stated.
He stated governments of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and other rice-farming states will team up and present a common demand to the Federal Government to ensure development of the product locally and nationally.
While commending the Customs Service for its role in law enforcement in the federation, Gov Tambuwal stated his administration will assist the Customs area office to achieve its set objectives.