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$2 billion : Dangote laments huge forex on rice importation.
Chairman of Dangote Rice Limited, Aliko Dangote yesterday lamented the whooping forex as Nigeria consumes 6.5 Mtn of rice which costs the nation over 2 billion dollars annually, adding that it is heartening that the federal government now has policy direction that encourages private sector’s active participation in agriculture.
He made the lamentation during the launch of the Dangote rice outgrower scheme in Goronyo, Goronyo Local government, Sokoto, which was witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar where farmers were presented with rice seeds, fertilizers, nets, agro-chemicals.
Also, a tripartite agreement spare headed by the company to create jobs for 16,000 outgrower rice farmers in the state signed amid excitement and a pledge by all parties to ensure the success of the scheme to make Nigeria self sufficient in rice cultivation.
The Chairman, Aliko Dangote disclosed that he was mover to go into rice cultivation because of the genuine interest of the Federal government to revive agriculture as the mainstay of the economy, and reduce importation of foods that could be produced locally.
His statement reads, “buoyed by the policy direction of the federal government, we at Dangote decided to key into this by establishing Dan gone Rice Limited to partner with states to redress the present situation where a huge sumo forex is spent on importation of rice.
“In the next three years we want to produce one million tons of quality rice and make it available and affordable to the people. We hope to do 150, 000 ha and when we are done, Nigeria will not have anything to do with importation of rice.
“Dangote Rice outgrowers scheme is committed to creating significant number of jobs, increasing the incomes of smallholders farmers and ensuring food security in the country by providing high quality seeds, fertilizers and agro-chemicals as well as technical assistance on best agricultural practice to farmers.
“This Scheme will help to diversify the economy, alleviate poverty and reduce the nation’s import bill. The scheme has been designed as a one stop solution for the rice value chain,” he explained .
Robert Coleman, the Dangote Rice Project Director, said the Sokoto operation was a demonstration phase to familiarize the farming community with the programme, train extension workers and lead farmers as well as test modern technologies.
He further noted that they would have 25,000 ha cultivated by nearly 50,000 outgrowers in 2017 in addition to hundreds of jobs expected to be created by the end of that year.
Remarking, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State expressed delight at the event, saying the coming of Dangote to invest in the state was as a result of his sustained effort towards inviting prospective investors to the state.
The governor added that under the scheme, just as it had done with the federal government, would distribute nets, water pumping machines and fertiliser T subsidised prices to help the farmers have good yield.
Similarly, the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Umar Tambuwal, disclosed that the scheme would cover 10 local governments in the stated and that the state government is committing several millions of naira to support the famers in the scheme.
According to him, “the farmers participating in the 5000 ha pilot scheme, the state government is giving out free nets to fight against queue a birds during production which is costing the state N48 million. The state will release and sell 5000 units of water pump worth N170 million at a subsidised rate of N10, 000 each.
“We will also distribute 5000 bags rice seed (Faro 44) worth N32.5 million while fertilizer will be sold 50 per cent subsidised rate to complement the outgrower farmers.”
Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar however, commended President Buhari for his diversifying efforts, urging Nigerians to pray for him.
He commended the Sokoto State government for the encouragement and support being given to the outgrowers scheme, saying it is a thing of joy that the state is also involved by way of giving the famers some of the inputs needed so that the scheme could succeed.
The National President of Rice Farmers Association, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo described the scheme as one of the potential means of making rice available and at low cost to the people because the farmers are encouraged to put all their best into it.
He said he has no doubt the scheme would success because it a private sector driven and that given the pedigree of the Alhaji Dangote in business, he was sure there the scheme would be sustainable and sooner than later other states will key into it.
As Muslims across Nigeria and the world celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, Member of the House of Representatives representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, has urged Nigerians to exercise heightened community vigilance.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker, who also chairs the House Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), tasked security operatives at all levels to ensure peace and safety during the festive period.
Oseni, who has emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, noted that Eid is a time for joy, spiritual reflection, and renewal.
The federal lawmaker added that the period is also an opportunity to recognize the critical role of security personnel in protecting lives, property, and public spaces.
“Eid-ul-Adha reminds us that peace and security are shared responsibilities,” the statement read.
“As we celebrate with our families and loved ones, let us remain vigilant and supportive of the men and women in uniform, whose courage, dedication, and professionalism make it possible for citizens to enjoy this festive season safely.”
Oseni commended security agencies across Oyo State and Nigeria, noting their unwavering commitment, discipline, and resilience, often under challenging conditions. He further urged citizens to partner with security operatives, report suspicious activities, and strengthen neighborhood cohesion, emphasizing that national security is a collective responsibility that transcends political, local, or individual interests.
The APC chieftain also highlighted the importance of responsible citizenship, calling on Nigerians to reflect the values of compassion, integrity, and communal solidarity that the Eid festival embodies.
“Our collective vigilance, cooperation, and commitment to the common good are what sustain peace and foster sustainable development,” he added.
The legislator extended warm Eid-ul-Adha greetings to all Nigerians, praying that the season brings joy, unity, and renewed hope for peace across the nation.
The South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has urged the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of pupils and teachers abducted in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The media group described the incident as heartbreaking and traumatising, warning that it had deepened fears over worsening insecurity in Oyo State and the wider South-West region.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Publicity Secretary, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP said the abduction was not only a painful attack on the victims’ families and affected communities but also a direct assault on the peace and stability of the region.
The guild lamented that many residents were gradually losing confidence in the safety of their environment, noting that the growing wave of insecurity had continued to inflict fear and psychological trauma on citizens.
According to the group, the continued captivity of the victims further exposes the fragility of Nigeria’s security architecture and underscores the urgent need for more coordinated and proactive responses to insecurity.
“The unfortunate abduction of innocent pupils and teachers in Oriire is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Beyond the immediate pain inflicted on affected families and communities, this incident has heightened anxiety and fear among residents across Oyo State and the South-West,” the statement partly read.
While commending security agencies for ongoing rescue operations, SWEGOP urged the Federal and Oyo State governments not to relent until the victims were rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.
The guild also called for stronger collaboration between government and relevant stakeholders capable of supporting rescue efforts, stressing that all necessary resources must be deployed to secure the victims’ freedom.
It further appealed to security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve surveillance across vulnerable communities and adopt preventive measures to forestall future occurrences.
SWEGOP maintained that protecting lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of government, urging authorities to take decisive actions capable of restoring public confidence in the nation’s security system.
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the declaration reflects the government’s respect for the Islamic faith and the spiritual importance of the festival to millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe.
“The Federal Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has declared Wednesday, 27th May and Thursday, 28th May, 2026 as public holidays to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Adha,” the statement read in part.
The minister congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a festival rooted in sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion for humanity. He urged Nigerians to use the festive period to pray for the nation and support ongoing efforts to ensure national peace, security, and prosperity.
“The Federal Government urges all Nigerians to use this period for prayer and sober reflection, asking for divine guidance upon the country as it continues its pursuit of peace, security, and prosperity for every citizen,” the statement added.
The government also wished Muslims a peaceful and joyous celebration while calling for unity, brotherhood, and mutual understanding among Nigerians.
Eid-ul-Adha, also known as Eid-el-Kabir or the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam and is observed by Muslims worldwide.
Meanwhile, travellers have begun moving across several parts of the country, including Lagos, ahead of the holiday period.
To ensure safety on the roads during the festivities, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara State Sector Command, said it had deployed 950 personnel, including officers, marshals, special marshals, and first responders across the state. Sixteen patrol vehicles, four ambulances, and a 70-tonne tow truck have also been positioned to support traffic management and emergency response during the celebrations.
Motorists were advised to strictly comply with traffic regulations, with the FRSC warning against offences such as speeding, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, overloading, mobile phone use while driving, tyre violations, lane indiscipline, and seatbelt violations.
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