The
President made the commendation during the signing of the $1 billion-dollar
Rice Investment Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), between the Federal
Government and Dangote Group at the State House, Abuja. The Minister of
Agriculture, Adewunmi Adesina and Alhaji Dangote signed on behalf of the
Federal Government and Dangote Group respectively.
President
Jonathan said the Dangote Group’s investment is the single largest investment
ever made in rice production in Africa. He thanked Alhaji Dangote for investing
in agriculture and assured him that his investment will be worthwhile.
President
Jonathan said he looked forward to a time Nigeria will be self-sufficient in
rice production and a net-exporter of the grain, adding that the Federal
Government will protect Nigeria’s borders and check smuggling.
“Government
cannot allow its borders to be porous. We are working on non-human measures and
smugglers should have a rethink now and change their ways by investing their
resources in other meaningful areas,” he said.
In less
than four years, Nigeria hopes to become a net-exporter of rice. The Dangote
Group’s investment in rice will cover five states and contribute additional 1.4
million metric tonnes of Paddy rice.
Thousands are still hungry. Unemployment is on the increase. Abeg, do something
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