The Nigerian Senate has initiated steps to cut the country’s $2 billion rice import bill by creating a National Rice Council aimed at boosting domestic rice production and enhancing food self-sufficiency.
Sponsored by Senator Adamu Aliero of Kebbi Central, the proposed Rice Development Council of Nigeria will oversee research coordination, regulate production standards, support farmers, and encourage innovations along the rice value chain.
During a public hearing on the bill, held alongside the Cassava Inclusion and Flour Production Bill and the National Food Reserve Agency Bill, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno, highlighted the significance of the initiative.
He explained that these legislative measures align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for agricultural and economic transformation.
Akpabio stressed, “The Rice Development Council of Nigeria Bill represents our economic firepower, poised to create millions of jobs, reduce foreign exchange spending on importation, and make Nigeria Africa’s rice powerhouse.”
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