Governor partners with Kebbi state to boost rice production

chika ebuzor

March 24, 2016 9:03 AM

Industry watchers say the partnership will create jobs, ensure food security and reduce the nation’s dependence on rice importation.

Lagos Governor- Akinwunmi Ambode

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state and his Kebbi state counterpart, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 signed a memorandum of understanding that will see both states boost the production of rice in Nigeria.

By this collaboration, both states have established a commodity value chain that will sustain the production of rice.

Also observers at the event said the bold initiative has shown that there are other investment opportunities that can generate income other than oil.

Vanguard reports that Governor Ambode said “the partnership signalled the commencement of a new beginning of cooperation and common-sense revolution, which is in line with the change mantra of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which calls for patriotism in all facets of life.”

Also, Governor Bagudu said the partnership was “in line with the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to steer Nigeria from depending solely on oil.”

The Kebbi state Governor also said the initiative is aimed at meeting over 60% of Nigeria’s rice needs.

The Nigeria Customs Service recently re-introduced the ban on importation of ricethrough land borders across the country.

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chika ebuzor