The Rice Millers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN) has called on Amb. Ibrahim Gambari, the new Chief of Staff (COS) to President Muhammadu Buhari, to use his office to develop the rice value chain.
Mr Peter Dada, the Chairman of RIMAN made the call in a congratulatory message to Gambari in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Dada called on the new COS to use his international exposure and experience in diplomacy to ensure that Nigeria achieved national food sufficiency and security, particularly as it relates to rice value chain in the milling sector.
“RIMAN is ready to collaborate with him to ensure that through our milling efforts, milled rice is supplied cheaply for the consumption of Nigerians.”
RIMAN therefore called on Gambari to deal fairly with all memos sent for the president’s attention on rice milling in the country as against what had been in practice.
“Formerly, RIMAN memos meant for the attention of the president for the benefit of small and medium scale rice millers in Nigeria were ignored due to personal or selfish interests.
“We therefore welcome Gambari’s appointment, and hope that he will do better in his working relationship with small and medium scale rice millers in Nigeria.
“This will help our efforts in adding to the National Food security through the Rice Value Chain programme of the Nigerian government in the rice sector.”
Dada urged Nigerians to support and collaborate with Gambari to enable him work for the president without distraction and for the development of the country in general, particularly in agriculture.
“RIMAN wishes him God’s guidance and a fruitful and very successful tenure,’’ he added.
