Ensure Buhari’s loan requests fall within approved limits, self-liquidating, Chizea tells NASS
The Launch of Rice Pyramids: My Take
Dr. Boniface Chizea
There was so much push back on the above post which I sent yesterday! It is unbelievable! What is worrisome is the extent of trust deficit which is so palpable between the government and particularly the vocal elements of the society.
The argument is that the unveiling of the pyramids was uncalled for as it has no material benefits to the suffering masses but only a trip to massage the bloated ego of those in charge. It is wasteful considering the costs involved in gathering the bags. And that this represents the highest gathering of rice anywhere in the world should not be cause for celebration because ordinarily nobody gathers bags of rice to show off but productions find expression as market prices are impacted in response to improvements to the supply chain. Some even unbelievably claimed that the whole episode is a ruse to hoodwink the public. Habawa! You are left wondering what sort of mind could ever think that was possible! We must be all so, so, dumb for anyone to ever think that Nigerians could be taken on such a ride. And the authorities so dumb and dishonourable as to want to sell a dummy to all of us!
Personally speaking for me this is all familiar territory. The only saving grace for me is that so far some restraints, thank God have been shown by stopping short of name calling! I was able to engage with some persons who I have personal respect for one on one. But then decided to give this general response.
Yes there is a valid point in the observation that citizens want to feel this success where it matters most; at their pockets. I couldn’t agree more. But the stage we are now at is an essential step before they could impact supply levels and therefore the market price. But most of us it appears are under the impression that the paddy rice gathered are ready for sale. No! There is still the milling process before that stage is reached. But for a regime that has been accused of not making any progress with the delivery of its mandate, it should not be denied of its day of glory in the sun to push a different narrative.
The records of achievement in this respect are simply for me stunning. Rice importation from Thailand dropped massively as a result of the success being celebrated from 1,239,810 metric tons in 2014 to barely 2,160 metric tonnes in 2021. Just spare a thought what this development represents in terms of domestic productivity and massive job creation opportunities. And to doubting Thomases these claims are verifiable from the relevant websites. Domestic production of rice increased from 5.4 MT in 2015 to 9 MT in 2021 qualifying Nigeria as the largest rice producer in the content of Africa. Now from where I stand these are no mean achievements. They are worthy to be showcased to make a solid point that as should be expected it is not all gloom and doom; that there are many silver linings in the Nigerian sky.
But it must be nightmarish for particularly the fiscal authorities and those in leadership positions generally. They are never allowed to take any policy measures without checkmate. It tantamount to throwing someone in a boxing ring with his hands firmly tied to his back. And yet those who have responsibility are expected to be accountable. The President prepares the annual budget and by the time it goes through the approval process, one is left in doubt whose budget it is after all. This is in spite of the fact that the legislation has been encouraged over the years to collaborate with the Executive during budget preparation to ensure that their requirements are agreed and taken on board at that stage and not after it has been submitted. The authorities look to introduce any policy measures to confront extant challenges; it is hamstrung. How then all stakeholders are partners in progress if there are going to be such perennial turf protecting dog fight?
We hope and pray for better cooperation and shared responsibility going forward in the management of economic, social and political affairs of the nation otherwise desired progress and development will remain elusive. And that we would continuously witness good successes at various stations of our national life which ultimately should bring us to the Eldorado which we all crave for. Let us consciously, God helping us strive for a much desired change of heart. Shalom.
Dr. Boniface Chizea, an economist and consultant wrote from Lagos
