The Rice Processors Association of Nigeria (RPAN) has asked the federal government to criminalise the sale of foreign rice.
Andy Ekwelem, the Director-General of the association made this demand on Saturday while speaking to Journalist in Abuja about the influx of smuggled rice into the country.
He indicated that the rice milling industry which is currently responsible for the employment of 13 million citizens will be at risk if the smuggling of rice is not prohibited at all costs.
According to him, the collapse of the mills in Nigeria would mean the loss of jobs for millions of citizens who are already struggling to survive the harsh economy.
“We have said it many times on the need for government to criminalise sales of foreign rice in the markets and supermarkets. Rice is number one on the list of prohibited products in which CBN placed forex restriction.
“It is assumed that any rice you see in this country now, in the markets, shops and even in your homes that is not Nigeria made rice, it is smuggled into the country.
“The country is losing revenue because these smugglers are not paying the right duties to bring the rice into the country and this ugly development is killing our economy.
“We want a law that will empower law enforcement agencies to go to markets and shops to arrest anyone found with foreign rice because their action amounts to economic sabotage.
“When that is done, people will be discouraged from buying from these people that smuggled rice into the country. We need to take drastic measures against smugglers as well as those selling the products,” Ekwelem said.
He further applauded President Buhari for his giant stride in rice production, noting that the number of Integrated Rice Mills in the country rose from 6 to about 60 between 2015 to 2020.
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