These, they said, often result in losses as rice that remains on the shelf for extended periods can change colour and lose its value.
“Nigerian rice has a short shelf life — typically only 2 to 3 months—before it changes colour and develops an unpleasant odour in heat”, one of the traders said.
But the claim degenerated into rancour as Peter Dama, President of the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN), immediately fired back, saying traders alleging Nigeria rice changes colour after three months went to get it from those who are not millers.
“Millers mill according to standards. Many go into business and claim they are rice millers. Those women complaining must have gone through the wrong hands”, Dama told Sunday Vanguard.
“They didn’t go through proper millers. Registered millers follow Standard Organisation and NAFDAC standards for them to be able to produce and sell and they are always checked”.
The RIMA leader went on to say that the current hardship faced by traders and consumers are unlikely to improve unless the underlying issues affecting farmers and rice millers are addressed.
He highlighted challenges such as the soaring costs of fertilizers and production due to the removal of fuel subsidies, as well as insecurity that has led to the deaths of farmers and resulting in a scarcity of the essential raw material, paddy.
Rice, a staple food for families across Nigeria, is consumed widely regardless of production levels.
Unfortunately, the rising cost of the product has exceeded the minimum wage for Nigerian workers, which is set at N70, 000.
50kg bag of locally produced rice currently sells for N90, 000
A family of four that relies solely on rice could easily consume an entire bag or more within a month.
The situation worsened after the government closed the Seme border with the Benin Republic in August 2019, leading to significant price increases.
During former President Buhari’s administration, notable progress was made in rice production, exemplified by the establishment of rice pyramids comprising one million paddy through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP).
Launched in 2015, this initiative aimed to boost agricultural output and improve Nigeria’s negative balance of payments concerning food. The ABP was designed to strengthen the agricultural sector, contributing to economic growth, job creation, reduced reliance on imported food and raw materials, and conservation of foreign exchange.
Reports indicate that Nigeria hosts over 100 large-scale integrated rice processing facilities spread across various regions.
Traders believe government has supported millers and farmers to achieve food security and economic diversification, but said they and consumers are not reaping the benefits.
They (traders) continue to face escalating costs for Nigerian rice, which has pushed many into poverty.
Dire situation
Mrs. Bukola Osagie, a rice dealer at Mile 12 Market, Lagos highlighted the dire situation: “Many women are suffering. This is due to frustration as we are now indebted to banks.
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“If it weren’t for my religious foundation providing me peace amid these challenges, I might not have survived what I’ve been through. “I find myself trapped in a cycle of debt due to Nigerian rice.”
She explained that many traders, including herself, took loans from banks to procure Nigerian rice after the border closure.
“We formed groups, took loans and approached millers in Kano and Kebbi to secure rice for sale”, Osagie narrated.
“Initially, we were promised deliveries within two weeks to a month, but delays became commonplace.
“When we checked back, many mills had shut down, leaving us as debtors.
“Thanks to human rights lawyers who intervened for the banks to stop the interest on the loans, we managed to negotiate with the banks to repay our loans monthly, even for rice we never received.”
The dealer noted that while there are larger millers available, their prices are prohibitive, and they do not sell directly to small traders.
“By the time we purchase from intermediaries, prices have skyrocketed, making it impossible for consumers to buy”, Osagie added.
She urged the government to extend support to off-takers.
“If the government helped us as much as it does to farmers and millers, prices would drop, and we wouldn’t be drowning in debt”, she said.
“Many of us have resorted to buying smuggled rice just to keep our businesses afloat.
“Ironically, the same law enforcement agencies that accept money to allow smuggled rice are the ones who arrest us.
“The stress has caused many traders severe health issues; some have even died from shock. We need urgent government intervention — policies that favour both off-takers and consumers will lead to food abundance and improved livelihoods for everyone.”