Rice producers in Nigeria are threatening to shut down their plants in some parts of the country following the destruction of some of their mills by protesters during the #EndSARS protests.
The rice producers, under the aegis of Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) expressed sadness at the devastating destruction and looting of the businesses.
RIMAN National President, Peter Dama, in a statement issued in Abuja, said, “RIMAN is shocked and sad at the level of havoc that was carried out on these rice mills and other government and private properties within the country.
“The resultant impact on these rice mills will create some deficits in our members’ contribution to national food security and rice value chain, as the affected rice mills will be shut down for a while at this critical period with huge debts to pay.”
Dama stated that some of the affected mills include Shamad Rice Mill, Yola and Glams Foods, Lagos.
He said, “This act is condemnable, highly regrettable and insensitive.
“Regrettably, during these attacks, tonnes of milled rice, paddy, furniture, machines, equipment and operational vehicles were destroyed and looted, while some parts of buildings were set ablaze.”
RIMAN therefore called on government to urgently assist the rice millers with funds to rebuild and restock to commence their operations, as most of them took loans to run their businesses.
The association also appealed to government to provide adequate security coverage to rice mills that were under threat in order to avert future occurrence.
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