Categories: Nigeria News

‘Farmers smiling to the bank’ — Ortom asks Buhari not to reverse ban on rice importation

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue state, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari not to reverse the ban on rice importation.

Speaking in Makurdi, the state capital, on Monday, Ortom said the ban has created wealth for rice farmers.

The governor asked the president not to yield to the pressure of lifting the ban as a result of the recession in the country.

He added that the sector has now improved youth employment.

“The ban on rice importation remains a major milestone in the development of agriculture in Benue. We want to appeal to the federal government to continue with the policy,” Ortom said.

“There might be hardship for a little while but farmers are smiling to their banks now compared to what used to happen. I have been into farming since 1984 and I am a living witness to this development.

“Before now, when we cultivate rice, we were not able to sell even the cost of production but today things have changed. Just harvest, the market is already there.”

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) restricted forex for rice importation after the 2016 recession to encourage local production.

Two weeks ago, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announced that Nigeria has officially slid into its worst economic recession in over three decades.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

BREAKING: Supreme Court nullifies National Lottery Act, grants states exclusive control

The Supreme Court has struck down the National Lottery Act of 2005, ruling that the…

10 mins ago

Latest update on fuel price hike, fuel scarcity for November 22nd, 2024

As Nigerians express their frustrations over the recent fuel price hikes by the Nigerian National…

5 hours ago

Full List of 80,000 delisted companies published by CAC

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has officially removed companies that failed to file their annual…

5 hours ago

Amended NDLEA Act: Senate approves life imprisonment for drug traffickers, rejects death penalty

The Senate on Thursday agreed with the House of Representatives' recommendation to replace the death…

6 hours ago

Monday Odigie steps down as Bendel Insurance coach

Monday Odigie, the coach of Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin, has resigned from his…

6 hours ago

Lewandowski reflects on missed Manchester United transfer

Robert Lewandowski has reflected on the time he nearly joined Manchester United in 2012, only…

7 hours ago