NGF, BOA seek reliable data to boost rice production

The Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF), the Bank of Agriculture, and other stakeholders have called for a unified agricultural data system to address inconsistencies in rice production figures and boost the sector in Nigeria. During a stakeholders' meeting in Abuja, participants identified issues such as unreliable data, insecurity, inadequate financing, and poor coordination among government institutions as challenges affecting the rice sector.

NGF Director-General, Abdulateef Shittu, highlighted that Nigeria produces 3.3 million metric tonnes of rice annually, while the country consumes 8.6 million metric tonnes, leaving a significant supply gap. Shittu emphasized the need for better coordination and efforts to address challenges in the agricultural sector, stating that Nigeria has the potential to become a net exporter of rice to African countries and parts of Europe.

He also stressed the importance of data in driving development and the NGF's commitment to establishing a dedicated department for data to mine and harvest information across all sectors.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.