Senate Summons Comptroller-General Over Reversal On Imported Rice

The Senate ad hoc Committee on Rice Waivers has summoned the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Ahmed Ali (rtd), to explain why he lifted the ban on the importation of rice through the land borders.

The resolution yesterday followed a motion moved by Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi) decrying the comptroller-general’s decision. He said the action would further undermine local production of rice by Nigerian farmers.

Aliero who recalled that the ban on importation of rice through the land borders was placed by the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, said the comptroller-general did not have the power to unilaterally lift the ban.

Agreeing, Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said as long as policies could be suddenly reversed in this manner, promoting local production would remain an illusion.