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Buhari assures of drop in price of rice soon as PDP mocks president, APC over pyramids

Published

5 years ago

January 19, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that with expansion in rice farming, prices of food would be more affordable for all.

The president, who spoke at the official commissioning ceremony of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)/Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Rice Paddy Pyramids at the Abuja International Trade Fair Complex, said across Nigeria, more than 4.8 million smallholder farmers had been supported by Anchor Borrowers Programme (APB), with increase in production of 23 agricultural commodities, including maize, rice, oil palm, cocoa, cotton, cassava, tomato and livestock.

According to a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said rice production in Nigeria has increased to over 7.5 million metric tons annually.

“Prior to the introduction of APB, the average production in Nigeria between 1999 to 2015 was less than four metric tons annually. I am aware that the bags of paddy will be moving straight from here to rice milling plants across Nigeria, which led to the release of processed rice to the markets by the rice millers. The measure will aid our efforts at reducing the price of rice in Nigeria.

“Before this administration launched the ABP, there were only 15 standard rice mills in Nigeria. As at today, we have over 50 standard and integrated rice mills creating jobs and reducing unemployment. We expect additional significant output when two new mills are started in Lagos and Katsina,” he said.

The president said the large margins in the business of rice had also encouraged more people to show interest in investing in agribusiness.

“As a critical policy of the government, the ABP is expected to catalyse the agricultural productive base of the nation, which is a major part of our economic plan to uplift the economy, create jobs, reduce reliance on imported food and industrial raw materials, and conserve foreign exchange.

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“In the implementation of the programme, adoption of high-yielding seedlings, quality inputs and best farming practices were essential features.

“For instance, the improved rice seedlings have helped to ensure our achievement of rice sufficiency, as they are disease-resistant and have an average yield of about five metric tonnes per hectare, compared with the traditional national average of 1.5 metric tonnes.

“This has resulted in bridging our rice consumption gap, a significant reduction in rice imports, and saved us foreign exchange,” he added.

The president said the commissioning of the rice pyramids was an indication that the country was making steady and assured progress towards self-sufficiency in food production.

“It is my desired hope and expectation that other agricultural commodity associations that are yet to participate under the ABP will emulate RIFAN in supporting our administration’s drive for food self-sufficiency.”

The president noted that about three years ago, the first set of sky-high pyramids of rice harvests were showcased in Argungu, Kebbi State, which was followed by another set in Minna, Niger State about a year ago and barely three months later in Zauro, Kebbi State, rice pyramids were unveiled.

President Buhari said in May 2021, the CBN unveiled the first rice pyramids in the South West of Nigeria in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.

“Those events were historic as, first, they remind us of our yesteryears’ agricultural commodity pyramids, such as the groundnut pyramids in Kano and secondly, they symbolise that we can produce what we eat.

“The significance of today’s occasion can be better understood by looking at the various economic strides the administration has achieved through agriculture.

“When we assumed the reins of leadership of this country in 2015, the administration identified the ABP as an essential policy instrument for achieving economic diversification through agriculture.

“To achieve this, the ABP was designed to encourage investments in agriculture and empower smallholder farmers as drivers of transformation in the agricultural sector and as critical enablers of economic growth.

“I am, indeed, delighted that the ABP continues to receive commendations, since its introduction six years ago, as it has become one of the reference points in the administration’s agricultural revolution effort.

“In fact, the programme speaks loudly in its giant strides as it has increased access to finance by our rural farmers, who, before now, were virtually excluded from the financial system,’’ he said.

President Buhari commended the CBN for its efforts at resuscitating the Nigerian Commodity Exchange following approval to do so.

RIFAN President, Aminu Goronyo, said more than 99 percent of the paddy rice for the year was already with farmers across the nation, while the bags in the 13 pyramids would be sold to further ease and augment production.

However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the Federal Government of using the rice pyramids as media stunt ahead of the 2023 general election.

The PDP, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said there was nothing to celebrate in the rice pyramids as it alleged that the bags of rice displayed were imported.

“Nigerians are already aware and the pictures abound of how the APC and its government ‘create’ fake pyramids of rice with sandbags and re-bagged rice stacked on pyramid shaped wooden structures as busted in an APC-controlled state in the South West in 2018.

“Of course, there is nothing to celebrate in the APC pyramid of lies in Abuja. It is rather shameful that APC leaders are again ridiculing President Muhammadu Buhari by making him unveil pyramids of allegedly imported foreign rice which are re-bagged as locally produced, just to create an impression of a boost in local production under his watch.

Sun News

Related Topics:APC Buhari Featured PDP President pyramids rice

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NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse

Published

46 minutes ago

September 8, 2026

Trends Admin

NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has distanced itself from a 20,000-litre fuel tanker intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis concealed in a secret compartment in Ondo State, while threatening legal action against those behind the alleged unauthorised use of its corporate identity.

The company, in a statement issued on Monday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, said preliminary checks revealed that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, was neither owned by NNPC Ltd. nor part of its official fleet or that of any of its authorised dealers. The logo displayed on the vehicle was also inconsistent with the company’s current official branding, and the truck was not listed in its asset database.

The operation took place on September 4, 2026, along the Akoko–Lokoja Expressway in Ondo State after NDLEA operatives reportedly pursued the tanker when its driver refused to stop for inspection. According to the agency, the driver later abandoned the vehicle at a church premises in Ugbe Akoko and fled into the bush. A search of the tanker uncovered 165 bags of cannabis weighing 2,145kg concealed in a false compartment alongside what the NDLEA described as a legitimate fuel cargo destined for Jos, Plateau State. The agency noted that the tanker had allegedly evaded arrest in previous operations.

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NNPC said it was engaging with the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain further information and establish the circumstances surrounding the use of its old branding on the vehicle. The company vowed to take the matter seriously, warning that it would explore legal action against individuals or syndicates attempting to exploit its corporate identity as a cover for criminal operations. “NNPC Ltd. takes any unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly where such use may be associated with unlawful activity. The Company remains committed to protecting the integrity of its brand and ensuring that its name, trademarks and other corporate identifiers are not misused.” The national oil company said it would cooperate fully with the NDLEA and other relevant security agencies in investigating the incident, including determining the actual ownership and operation of the truck and how NNPC markings came to be displayed on it.

NNPC commended the NDLEA for its vigilance and professionalism in uncovering the illicit consignment. The company reiterated its support for the NDLEA’s efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and pledged to provide all necessary cooperation to ensure that the facts surrounding the incident were conclusively established. The company also urged members of the public and relevant authorities to verify the ownership or affiliation of vehicles purporting to belong to NNPC through appropriate official channels.

NNPC Disowns Cannabis-Laden Tanker, Threatens Legal Action Over Brand Misuse

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Bauchi Man, 25, Allegedly Shoots Friend Dead With Dane Gun During Quarrel

Published

1 hour ago

September 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Bauchi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nafiu Habib

Bauchi Man, 25, Allegedly Shoots Friend Dead With Dane Gun During Quarrel

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested a 25-year-old man, Jabir Yusuf, for allegedly shooting and killing his friend, Hassan Mohamed, also 25, with a Dane gun in Toro Local Government Area of the state.

The tragic incident occurred on Monday, September 7, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m. in Rinjin Gura village, Zalau Ward, following a disagreement between the two friends. According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, a distress report was received at the Rishi Divisional Police Headquarters from a resident that Yusuf had allegedly fired a Dane gun at Mohamed, striking him in the neck. Police operatives from the nearby Gumau Division rushed the victim to Toro General Hospital for medical treatment. However, he was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor on duty. Mohamed’s body was subsequently identified, documented, and released to his family for burial in accordance with Islamic rites. The suspect was arrested by police, and the Dane gun allegedly used in the attack was recovered as an exhibit. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bauchi for a discreet investigation and possible prosecution.

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The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and directed investigators to thoroughly establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Aliyu also cautioned residents against the unlawful possession and careless handling of firearms, warning that anyone found violating the law would face prosecution. The command further appealed to members of the public to provide credible and timely information to the police to support efforts to safeguard lives and property across the state.

The incident in Toro comes just days after another fatal Dane gun incident in Bauchi State. On Saturday, September 5, 2026, a 13-year-old boy, Mubarak Mohammed, died after accidentally shooting himself with a loaded Dane gun in Udubo village, Gamawa Local Government Area. According to the police, the gun allegedly belonged to a 35-year-old hunter, Suleiman Hamza, who had returned from hunting and left the loaded weapon unsecured inside his room before going out. The teenager entered the room and pulled the trigger, causing the gun to discharge and inflict fatal injuries on him. The hunter has been arrested, and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department. These incidents have heightened concerns over the careless handling and storage of locally made firearms, with the Commissioner of Police urging hunters and firearm owners to exercise utmost care.

Bauchi Man, 25, Allegedly Shoots Friend Dead With Dane Gun During Quarrel

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87-Year-Old Man Arraigned for Severing Judge’s Hand in Adamawa Cutlass Attack

Published

2 hours ago

September 8, 2026

Trends Admin

87-Year-Old Man Arraigned for Severing Judge’s Hand in Adamawa Cutlass Attack

An 87-year-old man, Dahiru Garba, has been arraigned before a Yola Chief Magistrate Court for allegedly attacking an Area Court judge with a cutlass during court proceedings in Adamawa State, severing the judge’s hand in a shocking courtroom assault that has sparked outrage from judicial workers.

Garba, a resident of Korawa village in Fufore Local Government Area, allegedly attacked the Presiding Judge of Mayo-Ine Area Court, Hon. Dauda Hamman, on August 31, 2026, while the judge was presiding over a case involving Garba and one Ismail Yusuf. According to police reports, the elderly suspect suddenly produced a cutlass during the proceedings and struck the judge’s hand several times, inflicting grievous injuries and severing his hand in a moment of unthinkable violence inside the courtroom. Panic swept through the courtroom as security operatives scrambled to restore order and subdue the attacker. Garba was arrested at the scene shortly after the incident. The case was later transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Fufore to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yola on September 4, 2026, for deeper investigation.

Following the conclusion of the investigation, Garba was arraigned on Monday, September 8, 2026, before Chief Magistrate Court I, Yola, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ismail Bello Shelleng. He was charged with one count of causing grievous hurt, contrary to Section 219 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018. When the charge was read and interpreted to him, Garba pleaded guilty on the spot and reportedly blamed the devil for his action, expressing deep remorse for the violence he had unleashed. The court subsequently ordered that he be remanded at the Yola Correctional Facility pending further hearing. Police prosecutor, ASP Zakka Musa, prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Command. The Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, has assured the public that the case will be diligently prosecuted to ensure justice is served.

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The Adamawa State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric, inhuman, heinous, unacceptable” and an assault on the nation’s legal system and constituted authorities. In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Fxenty Sanda Jonathan, JUSUN said the judge was macheted while performing his constitutional duties in the courtroom. “An arbiter of justice performing his constitutional duties as a judge should not be descended upon by armed men and macheted helplessly. This is unacceptable,” the union stated. JUSUN urged the government and relevant authorities to apprehend the perpetrators and make them face the full wrath of the law within the shortest possible time. The union also called for adequate security cover for magistrates and area court judges working in remote parts of the state, noting that “judges in rural courts are exposed to high risks due to the nature of cases they handle and the absence of sufficient protection, a situation that must be addressed urgently.” The union further threatened to shut down courts across the state if the perpetrators were not brought to book. Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Police Command has activated its signals and heightened surveillance to facilitate swift action on the matter. The attack has reignited urgent questions about security for judicial officers across Adamawa State, serving as a chilling reminder that courtrooms—built as sanctuaries of law—are not immune to the very violence they exist to adjudicate.