The Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Albert Bassey Akpan has join his voice with the Senate asking the Federal Government to restore ban earlier placed on importation of rice through land borders by the immediate past government .
This followed the presentation and adoption of the report of the Senate ad-hoc committee on import duty waivers, concessions and grants.
Senator Albert who was a member of the committee was of the opinion that lifting the ban as recently directed by the Comptroller – General of Nigeria Customs Service Rtd Col Hameed Ali , will lead to evasion of custom duty and revenue losses to Nigerian maritime industry.
Senator Albert also said that lifting the ban will directly lead to increased diversion of vessels to neighboring countries.
He added that the lower five percent import levy being charged on rice by some neighboring countries is enough inducement that “if not checked will on the long run lead to massive vessels desertion of Nigerian ports and the concomitant unemployment of Nigerians.
