Nigeria's Rice Council Bill to Cut $2bn Import Costs

Senator Saliu Mustapha, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, proposed the National Rice Council Board Bill in the National Assembly, which is a significant step toward saving Nigeria approximately $2 billion in annual rice importation. Representing Kwara Central, Mustapha emphasized the urgent need for reforms, highlighting Nigeria's heavy reliance on rice imports.

The proposed bill aims to reverse this trend by coordinating production, processing, and distribution across the country, ultimately building a comprehensive agricultural value chain. Mustapha presented the bill during a Senate plenary session on Tuesday, where the committee report was received.

The legislation is part of three key bills designed to boost local production and reduce import dependency. The National Rice Council Board Bill is sponsored by Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, and is described by Mustapha as a critical intervention that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on ensuring food security and job creation in the agricultural sector.