Expert applauds ban on rice importation

By Fatima Muraina
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An economic expert, Elder Fessy Olabode has applauded the federal government for the recent ban on imported goods, saying that it will help improve the economy of the nation.

Olabode spoke in an  interview with The Hope in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

His words: “Ban on importation of goods such as rice and other products is a welcome development because it will make Nigeria to look inward and consume locally produced  goods”.

He said government’s decision will not only improve the economy of the country but will also make it buoyant and self sustaining one.

With the development,  Olabode advised people particularly the government to learn how to patronise made in Nigeria goods.

He urged government to encourage local producers through patronage and encourage their services where needed.

Siting an example of such patronage, Olabode said roasted plantains could be served at events rather than  meat pies, saying that roasted plantain is more nutritious and beneficial

“If this is done, the traders and farmers plantain and dealing in the produce will invariably have value for the product.

A rice dealer at ‘Oja Oba’market, Mrs Khadijat Ayoade said government  should have embarked more sensitisation on the  ban.

According to her, many dealers have accessed billions of naira loan to book for the supply of rice but were frustrated with the recent ban having their money stocked.

To her,  the ban makes life miserable for the dealers and the generality of the citizens because rice is a staple food which every household cannot do without.

She urged government to improve the quality of the local rice and make it available to meet the high demand for the product.

She also advised government to look into the cost of the product which she said is exorbitant

The local rice is sold for N15,500 per bag and within a month after the ban price have increased.