Farmers, Millers Intensify ‘Eat Nigerian Rice’ Drive, Urge End To Import Waivers

NIGERIAN rice farmers and millers have renewed their “Eat Nigerian Rice” campaign to boost local production and curb capital flight from foreign rice imports.

Speaking during a World Food Day roadshow in Abuja, Peter Dama, National Chairman of the Competitive African Rice Forum for Sustainable Development, urged the Federal Government to end import waivers for foreign rice and increase support for local producers.

Dama noted that local farmers have adopted improved technologies, but insecurity, climate change, and high production costs continue to hinder progress. He called for greater government intervention, subsidies, and policy backing to strengthen Nigeria’s rice value chain and achieve food security.