Dangote: How can we invest $1bn in local production and still import poisonous rice?

Dangote Group says it has no plans to import a single grain of rice, not to speak of importing poisonous genetically modified (GMO) rice.

In a statement addressing a broadcast concerning Dangote rice being poisonous, the group said “the malicious broadcast alleging a partnership between Dangote and FG for importing and flooding the market with poisonous GMO rice is absolutely false!”

“Dangote IS NOT involved in the production or sales of GMOs and its research in Nigeria or anywhere.

“What people should know however is the groundbreaking progress Dangote Rice has made since 2014 when it stopped importation and began local cultivation.”

In 2014, the group signed a $1billion agreement with the federal government for the integrated rice production in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara.

In 2016, it started a multibillion naira rice outgrower scheme, with over 8,000 hectares in Hadejia, Jigawa state, creating over 10,000 jobs (direct and indirect) to farmers who are an integral part of the scheme.

“The FARO 44 rice seeds distributed to farmers during the Outgrower Scheme was sourced from Africa Rice and certified by the National Agricultural Seeds Council,” the group added.

“The intent of these broadcasts is to bring into disrepute the hard-earned reputation of Dangote and actualisation of its vision of making Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production.

“Moreover, with the ever-watchful eagle eyes of organisations such as NAFDAC, SON, CPC with mandate to ensure food safety, how can a big organisation like Dangote import and flood the market with poisonous rice?”

Dangote Group aims to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice and sugar, via local production.