The Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has deemed the annual expenditure of $480 million on the importation of three million tonnes of rice as unacceptable.

Speaking at the opening of a one-day technical support workshop organized for rice farmers and processors in Lokoja, Kogi State, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NEPC, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni, highlighted that the NEPC is implementing strategies to reduce the nation’s reliance on rice imports by enhancing local production of the commodity.

Represented by Mr. Aliu Sadiq, a Deputy Director in the Policy and Strategy Department of the council in Abuja, Ayeni noted that the workshop aimed to promote sustainable rice production, processing, and value addition among farmers and processors.

She said that the focus on rice production by the NEPC is well-founded, as rice has become a major staple food consumed across all six geographical zones of the country and among various socio-economic classes.

The Executive Director explained that the choice to hold the workshop in Kogi was intentional, given that the state ranks as the second-highest rice producer in Nigeria, with an annual output of 1.5 million metric tonnes. She urged rice farmers and processors to adopt the new skills that would be introduced at the workshop and to adhere to best practices in their farming activities.

Ayeni further stated that the workshop is in response to concerns raised by the World Bank regarding food insecurity in sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria.

“The federal government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, has demonstrated its commitment towards achieving food sufficiency in Nigeria by addressing critical challenges facing farmers, such as security, infrastructure, forex, and inputs for increased production,” she said.

She stated that the NEPC will continue to provide essential support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the primary beneficiaries of the council’s services.

The Executive Director urged participants to take advantage of the workshop to gain more knowledge and enhance their skills in rice production and processing.

Ayeni expressed optimism that the workshop would motivate attendees to take action and utilise their skills for the benefit of Nigeria and humanity.

Mr. Usenide Aniekpeno, the Coordinator of the NEPC Kogi State Coordinating Office, said in his welcome address that the workshop highlights Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural value chain, focusing specifically on rice, which he described as one of the country’s most critical and strategic commodities.

“Rice stands as both a cornerstone of our national food security strategy and a vital source of income for millions of Nigerians.

“Beyond serving as a dietary staple, rice holds immense potential to transform lives through its economic opportunities,” he said.