Dangote refutes report on importation of poisonous rice

Dangote group on Tuesday debunked widely circulated broadcast that the company was allegedly partnering with the Federal Government to import and flood the market with poisonous Genetic Modified Organisms (GMOs) rice.

Adedamola Adeniyi, Social Media Manager, Dangote Group, described the report as malicious.
Adeniyi, also alleged the so-called partnership, stating that the claim was absolutely false as Dangote “is not involved in the production or sales of GMOs and its research in Nigeria or anywhere.”

The statement cleared that “what people should know, however, is the ground breaking progress Dangote Rice has made since 2014 when it stopped importation of rice and began local cultivation”.

Clearing itself of any such deal, the company highlighted some facts for reference purposes.

It said that in “2014: Dangote signed $1billion agreement with FG or integrated rice production in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara.

“2016, it Started a multi-billion naira Rice Outgrower Scheme over 8,000 hectares in Hadejia, Jigawa State

“2016 it created over 10,000 jobs (Direct and indirect) to farmers who are an integral part of the Rice Outgrower Scheme.

“FARO 44 rice seeds distributed to farmers during the Outgrower Scheme was sourced from Africa Rice and certified by the National Agricultural Seeds Council.

The statement further disclosed that the “intent of this broadcasts is to bring into disrepute the hard earned reputation of Dangote and actualization of its vision of making Nigeria self-sufficient in rice production.

“Moreover, with the ever watchful eagle eyes of organisations such as NAFDAC, SON, CPC with mandate to ensure food safety, how can a big organisation like Dangote import and flood the market with poisonous rice?”