Nigeria, ERO, host 1st General Assembly to achieve regional self-sufficiency in rice production

“The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Rice Observatory convened in Abuja to bolster regional rice production. Alain Sy Traore emphasized tackling insecurity and implementing sustainable rice strategies. Peter Dama highlighted Nigeria’s goal for self-sufficiency and nutritional fortification through rice. He cited challenges like high production costs and insecurity affecting farmers. Kingsley Uzoma noted President Tinubu’s food sector emergency plan, focusing on clearing 500 hectares for rice cultivation across suitable states. The assembly aimed to foster regional cooperation and innovation in rice farming. Source: BusinessDay

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Rice Observatory (ERO) meeting in Abuja aimed to bolster regional rice production self-sufficiency. Alain Sy Traore from the ECOWAS Commission highlighted ongoing insecurity challenges and outlined strategies like the Sustainable Rice Development strategy. He emphasized the role of the newly established ERO in fostering collaboration among member states, partners, and funders to implement these strategies effectively.
Peter Dama, Chair of the ERO African Rice Forum Nigeria chapter, stressed the goal of achieving sustainable rice production to meet Nigeria’s staple food needs. He noted rice’s cultural significance and its potential in addressing micronutrient deficiencies through fortification. However, Dama criticized the Nigerian government for insufficient support, attributing high rice prices to factors like production costs, recent electricity tariff hikes, and insecurity affecting farmers’ productivity.
Kingsley Uzoma, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu on Agri-Business, highlighted the President’s declaration of a food sector state of emergency. The ambitious plan includes clearing 500 hectares of farmland to enhance agricultural productivity, particularly in rice-producing states.”