Rice farmers vow to resist importation

The leadership of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) said they will continue to protest against importation of rice into the country

The National President of RIFAN, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo in an interview with Daily Trust yesterday said the protest would be sustained all over the country.

The leader of rice farmers said government has done everything possible to ensure that Nigeria feeds itself with locally produced rice adding that “The enemies of this country who are mostly foreigners have connived with our people to import rice into the country.

“We will continue to protest every now and then you will hear protest as long as that moves is in the pipeline, we will not allow them to displace the 24 million people, who are gainfully employed by the FG rice policy,” he said.

Over 1,000 farmers under the umbrella of the Kebbi State Rice Farmers Association yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Birnin Kebbi against the proposed importation of rice by the Federal Government.

The farmers, who marched through the streets in the state capital, Birnin Kebbi carrying placards with different inscriptions, made their way into the Government House, where they registered their displeasure to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

The State chairman of RIFAN, Alhaji Muhammad Sahabi Augie while delivering his speech said the proposed importation of foreign rice into the country was not in the best interest of local farmers.

Responding, Governor Bagudu who is the Chairman Presidential Committee on Rice and Wheat Production in Nigeria said he would convey the farmers’ message to the president.

RIFAN said about 8 ships were on the sea trying to bring foreign rice into Nigeria.