Benin Republic seeks to tap from Nigeria’s strides in rice production

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have begun discussions to facilitate collaboration in rice production to end the importation of the produce into West Africa.

Gov. Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State disclosed this to State House correspondents after a delegation from Benin Republic met with the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Stakeholders in rice farming in Nigeria were also at the meeting.

Bagudu, who is the Chairman, Presidential Taskforce on Rice and Wheat Production, said the Republic of Benin was impressed with Nigeria’s strides in rice production and was eager to tap from it.

“This is a delegation from Benin Republic led by the Minister of Finance, including the ministers of Trade and Investment, Agriculture, Water and Mining and (as well as) Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria.

“We met with the Chief of Staff to the President and this is to progress discussions which have been going on between Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria and Benin Republic in order for the two countries to work together towards replicating the successes achieved in Nigeria’s rice programme in Benin.

“So that together, we can stop importation of rice into West Africa in the shortest possible time.”

He said that the partnership would be within the framework of ECOWAS Agreement, the African Continental Free Trade Area and the brotherly relationship that exists between both countries.

“And between President Muhammadu Buhari and President Patrice Talon who respect each other, who have vision that we can be greater together,” Bahudu said.

For his part, the Beniniose Minister of Agriculture, Cossi Dossouhoui, said his country was keen to benefit from Nigeria’s experience in rice production.

Also, Aminu Goronyo, President, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, said the delegation from Benin Republic was in Nigeria because of the successes Nigeria had recorded in the area of rice production.

“Their president is so happy and he said they must come to Nigeria, partner with Nigerian rice farmers and see if the same thing can be replicated in Benin Republic.

“So that they will be able to achieve the  successes that this government has achieved in the area of rice production.”

He said Nigeria was willing to assist Republic of Benin to boost its rice production if its leaders would provide the enabling environment.

“They are our sister country; we are one and the same people and their president is ready to accept what we have used to achieve these successes which is government will.

“Our success is related with the political will that this government has; that is exactly what they want to learn so that we will use the same approach,” Goronyo said. (NAN)

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