It was further revealed that the government also failed to train youth and women in rice processing in the community as earmarked in the budget.
The Nigerian government is yet to construct a rice processing shed in Atako village, Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja despite N4.2million allocated for the project, a finding by Tracka has revealed.
It was further revealed that the government also failed to train youth and women in rice processing in the community as earmarked in the budget.
This was started in a tweet made by the civic organisation on Wednesday morning, revealing that the millionaire project was yet to commence during their visit to the community.
“N4.2m was BUDGETED for the construction and equipping of rice processing sheds and training of youths and women in rice processing in Atako village, Kuje Area Council. FCT. We tracked and reported that the project is yet to commence,” Tracka tweeted.
N4.2m was BUDGETED for the construction and equipping of rice processing sheds and training of youths and women in rice processing in Atako village, Kuje Area Council. FCT.
We tracked and reported that the project is yet to commence. pic.twitter.com/iFswspjGG1
— Tracka (@TrackaNG) March 22, 2023
In line with the current administration's diversification drive and in fulfilment of one of its cardinal pillars of food security, it is expected that the government will continue to prioritise agricultural activities through targeted policies to attract investments.
Rice is a staple food for more than half of the world's population, accounting for more than 19% of global human per capita energy. Human consumption accounts for approximately 78% of global production, with the remainder being used for other purposes such as feed.
Rice is a major staple food in Nigeria, consumed by people from all geopolitical zones and socioeconomic classes. Only about 57% of the 6.7 million metric tonnes of rice consumed in Nigeria each year is produced locally, resulting in a 3 million metric tonnes supply deficit.