Lifting ban on rice importation: Local farmers will face increased competition—ActionAid

By Abubakar Yunusa

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) stated on Wednesday that the recent decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria to lift the Forex ban on rice importation poses significant challenges for local farmers.

Recall that the Central Bank of Nigeria lifted foreign exchange restrictions imposed on rice importers and 42 other items eight years ago.

Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of AAN, expressed these concerns during a dialogue and dissemination event on alternative cases, themed “Addressing Pollution in Agribusiness and Energy Projects” in Abuja.

Mamedu, represented by AAN’s Acting Head of Programs, Celestine Okwudili, commented, “The challenge is that competition will intensify for local farmers within the gap. If the productivity of local rice increases, and awareness is raised, consumers will be compelled to accept those bourgeois who can afford it.”

He added, “The lifting of the ban will negatively impact local farmers, and the government should reconsider. If local rice is insufficient, the government should invest in it. This should be approached as a business, collaborating with state governments, private entities, and individuals to generate income for the local community.”

Mamedu urged the federal government to establish rice processing plants within each local government area to turn it into a profitable investment. He emphasized the need for the government to simplify technology, making it affordable and accessible.

Highlighting the success of gari processing plants in the Niger Delta, Mamedu pointed out, “Government should examine such models, adapt them, and provide alternative solutions going forward.”

Donald Ofoegu, an Alternative Cases Consultant, said ” The importance of the energy transition proposal, suggesting a gradual shift from manual processes to energy-efficient fossil fuel use and eventually transitioning to 100% clean energy.