Nigerians have commended the 50kg bag of rice that is now selling for N8,000. This development is a relieve for Nigerians who have been buying imported rice for N20,000 per bag.
The spokesman of Central Bank of Nigeria, Isaac Okoroafor, revealed this development in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state on Tuesday at the CBN Anchor Programme for farmers.
“We should eat Nigerian rice provided for by the CBN Anchor Programme; 50 Kg of local rice is now N8, 000 in Ebonyi. Already, the Abia Government has ordered rice from Ebonyi for Christmas.” He said
Responding to this cheering news was Alimat Bamigboye, a Lagos based trader, who noted that this development is a major success for the current administration. She however, complained that the rice is not available in market.
“This is a good development for this administration and I know it will go a long way in reducing the hardship Nigerians are currently facing. But I have never come across this rice. I do not think it is available in market.” She stated
Also commenting on this development was Taofeek Bello, a Lagosian, who complained that he has been hearing of Abakaleke rice, Ebonyi rice and so on, but none of them are available in market. He noted that Lagos is a big market for these rice, they should be available in Lagos markets.
“I doubt if all these news about Ebonyi rice, Abakaleke rice or whatever are credible. I have been hearing things like this since June but I have not found this rice in market. I believe that Lagos is a big market for these goods, if truly they are available, we should see them in our markets.” He stated
He further added “the federal government should work towards making this rice available in market, not only in Ebonyi, but in Lagos and other parts of the country”.