The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged finance development institutions to support rice farmers in the state to enable the farmers scale up production to meet local demand.
The advice is coming few days after President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned the Imota Rice Mill in Ikorodu area of Lagos.
According to LCCI, the federal government needs to be sensitive to the massive private investments and be more intentional in creating a stable policy environment.
However, it added that the commissioning of the Lekki deep sea port, Lagos rice mill at Imota, the 18.75killometres Eleko-Epe rigid pavement six-lane expressway, the first phase of the blue line rail, and the John Randle centre for Yoruba culture and history, was a significant factor in driving development in the state.
“With infrastructure remaining a critical driver of growth and development, the Lekki deep seaport, Nigeria’s largest seaport with a draught of 16.5m, will support trade and commerce in Nigeria and the entire West African region,” Chinyere Almona, director-general, LCCI, said.
“The 32-metric tonnes per hour Lagos rice mill at Imota-Ikorodu was also launched to produce rice for Lagos residents and possibly for export. The intent to ease transportation in Lagos led to the conceptualisation and eventual launch of the Lagos blue line rail project.
“This project is part of fulfilling the request for a multi-modal transport system in Lagos to ease the traffic jams experienced by Lagos residents. To maximise the benefits of these infrastructures and facilities, there must be a connecting rail network that supports the movement of goods and persons to fully facilitate trade and commerce within the state and across the West African borders.
