Atiku Bagudu, Governor of Kebbi State, has assured Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration is working on the availability and affordability of rice.
Bagudu, who is the Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Rice and Wheat Production, said making the produce affordable and accessible will make Nigerian-produced rice competitive.
Speaking with newsmen in Lagos, the governor said Nigerian rice was nutritious and would help to provide employment for citizens.
According to Bagudu, from the contributions of all the stakeholders, it is apparent that what Nigerians want is actually not about making subsidy available for rice production.
He said, “The mandate given to this taskforce which is under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo is to ensure Nigeria attains self-sufficiency in rice and wheat production.
“But so far, the stakeholders within the value chain, either as farmers, distributors or millers are not talking about subsidy.
“What they are saying is help us tell Mr. President that we will like to have our rice at a competitive price with the so-called imported ones.
“That has to do with affordability, and I can tell you that Mr. President is committed to that.’’
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