Rice processing industries in Kano have called on the federal government to make the present rice importation ban a permanent law as it has yielded a positive outcome and boosts indigenous rice production in the country.
The call was made by the Group Managing Director of the Gerawa Group of Companies, Dr Ibrahim Muhammded, during the flag-off of the Free National Calibration of industries in Kano by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) at the company’s premises.
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The MD said they have fears that the federal government or incoming government might open the borders for rice importation, cautioning that it will cripple the rice companies in the state.
“In Kano now, we have the largest number of rice processing industries which create thousands of jobs. In the area where our company is, there are over 14 rice companies which we didn’t have before. So, we can all see the impact of the ban on rice importation. That is why we urge the FG and even the next government to sustain the ban.”
He appreciated the SON for coming up with the calibration which will help them in getting accurate measure and prevent the losses they are recording as a result of improper measurements.
Earlier, the Director General of the SON, Mallam Farouk Salim, said the essence of coming up with the calibration is to ensure equity and fairness in measurement and also improve quality and standards of products to compete in the global market.
