The senate on Wednesday, December 2 urged President Muhammadu Buhari to suspend lifting of ban on importation through the land borders.
In a report by the adhoc committee on import duty waivers, concessions and grants, the reason for the ban includes that the customs service lacked the capacity to effectively monitor and control the importation of rice.
The senate also expressed concern that the decision to allow importation of rice through land borders would escalate smuggling in the country.
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However, the senate also expressed that lifting restrictions on importation or rice through land borders will reverse the tremendous gain recorded in rice production in the country.
Senate president, Bukola Saraki, stressed the importance of the report adding that sentiments should not be applied to this matter.
“This matter is a very serious matter that should not be looked at with sentiment but with logic. As of now, it is clear that we must support our local farmers and if the ban on importation of rice,” he added.
However, Bassey Akpan representing Akwa Ibom North senatorial district also expressed his support in the report. He also cited an instance whereby he visited a rice mill in Lagos which could have created jobs for a large number of people that was closed down.
He said, “This report shows that in 2014 there was a major policy on importation of rice. I visited a few rice mill in Lagos, we were amazed that the factory had shutdown. A factory that should have been able to create over 400 jobs.”
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Naij.com recalls that on Thursday, October 15 2015 deliberated a motion on a dangers posed by the removal of rice from import restriction list and the re-introduction of import duty payment at land borders.
The senate mandated the committee to invite the comptroller general and the Nigeria Customs to brief the committee.
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