A former House of Representatives member, Joseph Akinlaja, has urged the federal government to put plans that ensure reduction in the price of rice. 

Mr Akinlaja gave the advice on Sunday in Abuja while reacting to the one million bags of rice paddy pyramids launched by President Muhammad Buhari.

He explained that the rice pyramid showed the country was ready to be self-sufficient in rice production and should continue to showcase its achievement in agriculture.

Mr Akinlaja, who is also the former National Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said Nigerians should be allowed to benefit from discounted price after processing.

He added that there was the need for a drastic reduction in the commodity’s price as soon as it rolled into the market with the cooperation of the millers association.

“I hope that rice will remain the cheapest commodities in the Nigerian market.”

Recall that the building of the rice pyramid at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Airport Road, started mid-December of 2021.

Built with million bags of rice paddy planted and harvested from states across the country, the project is controlled by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrower’ Programme.

The Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) had earlier said that the country would commence exportation of rice in the near future to engender the twin benefits of food security and economic diversification.

Ado Hassan, Secretary of the Kano State chapter of RIFAN, said in Abuja that it was a joint project between the CBN, under its Anchor Borrowers Programme, and RIFAN.

(NAN)