THE proposed ban on the importation of some essential commodities by the Federal Government may have drawn the ire of a cross section of Nigerians. This was indicated in the recent Guardian Opinion Poll conducted across the six geo-political zones of the country.

The poll question was: " Recently, the Federal Government placed a ban on the importation of some essential commodities especially rice, in order to boost local production of such food items in the country. Do you support the ban on the importation of staple foods by the federal government?"

About 1509 respondents equating 56 percent expressed their opposition to the ban, while 1088 respondents or 41 percent supported it.

The South South led opposition to the ban with 63 percent, South East secured 61 North Central garnered 58 South West and North East polled 55 per cent each while North West scored 41 percent. Abuja recorded 45 per cent and Lagos 30 per cent.

Responding to the follow -up question:" How do you see this ban in terms of its effects on Nigerians? 1644 respondents or (62 percent) opined that it is unfavourable, while 779 respondents or 29 percent see the ban as favourable. Another 192 respondents or seven percent were however undecided.

The zonal breakdown of opposition shows the South South topping the list with 66 percent. South East recorded 65 North Central 63. North East and South West garnered 58 percent each, while North West polled 54 percent. Abuja accounted for 60 and Lagos posted 71 percent.

North Central and South West lead the zones in favour of the ban with 33 percent apiece. North East and North West recorded 30 percent each, while South East and South South scored 25 percent apiece. Abuja accounted for 33 percent while Lagos secured 25 percent .

Recently, the president of the Rice Dealers Association, Mr Taoheed Shoaga, said that many people would be denied their sources of livelihood if the government enforced the ban earlier than the proposed 10 years. He said there were many people engaged in one rice business or the other, adding that importers, dealers, retailers and truck drivers would all be negatively affected by the plan.

He added that statistics had revealed that Nigerian domestic demand is about five million metric tonnes of milled rice while the domestic production is only about 3.2 million tonnes, leaving a supply deficit of 1.8 million.

Analysts argue that rather than rush to ban rice importation, government should first concentrate on boosting its local production for self sufficiency and adopt some strategies that include production incentives to rice farmers, developing suitable agricultural technologies and policy consistency.

Executive Director of Church Gate Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Jerome Ushoghon recently disclosed plans to set up rice farms in five states of the Federation, ahead of the ban on importation of foreign brands of rice into the country. He revealed that local rice brands available include Abakaliki rice, Bida rice and Ofada rice. This, he said, is in support of government policy thrust to boost local Industry. He stated that the affected states are Ondo, Kwara, Niger, Ebonyi and Lagos, explaining that while the rice farms would be established in other states, the rice mill would be sited in Ikorodu industrial estate Lagos.