TheCable

Aminu Tambuwal, governor of Sokoto state, wants the federal government to end the current waiver regime being enjoyed by rice importers.

Speaking on Thursday when he played host to Muhammad Kabir, the new area controller of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for Sokoto Zamfara and Kebbi states, ‎Tambuwal said the development is hampering local production of the commodity.

He said the quality of rice produced locally is better than most of the ones imported into the country, adding that Nigeria has what it takes to produce enough rice to meet the needs of the continent.

“We have the potential to meet Africa’s rice needs,” he said.

Tambuwal said preliminary studies have shown that unfavourable government policies have been affecting efforts to boost local rice production.

He identified waiver to importers as a major impediment to states’ objectives to achieve local self-sufficiency, saying his administration will continue to support local farmers producing the commodity.

The governor said his counterparts in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and other states where rice is produced will team up to present a common demand to the federal government in order to ensure development of the product locally.

While commending NCS for its role in law enforcement, Tambuwal said his administration will do its best in assisting customs achieve its set objectives.

Earlier in his remarks, Kabir commended Tambuwal for the harmonious working relationship between the state and NCS under his command.