We are threatened by importation, maize farmers cry out
The Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria (MAAN) has said that its one million registered members are threatened by importation. The national president of the association, Alhaji Bello Abubakar Funtua, stated this during a press conference in Abuja. “The recent publication by National Biosafety Management Agency on the request by Grand Cereal limited requesting for the […]
Maize farm
The Maize Farmers Association of Nigeria (MAAN) has said that its one million registered members are threatened by importation.
The national president of the association, Alhaji Bello Abubakar Funtua, stated this during a press conference in Abuja.
“The recent publication by National Biosafety Management Agency on the request by Grand Cereal limited requesting for the importation of maize is not only alarming but a disservice to Nigeria farmers and government efforts at achieving self-sufficiency in maize production” his speech reads in part.
Alhaji Bello debunked the assertion that Nigeria was yet to meet its national demand of 15 million metric tonnes, adding that maize production last year stood at 15 million metric tonnes and the projection for this year is 20 million tonnes.
The Director General of the National Biosafety Management Agency, Dr Rufus Egbeba, had confirmed receiving a request for maize import but has not granted permission yet.