Dangote Group has debunked broadcasts on social media that it partnered with the Federal Government to import and flood the Nigerian market with poisonous GMO rice.
Reacting to the reports making the rounds on social media, Dangote Group’s Social Media Manager, Adedamola Adeniyi, described the viral broadcasts as “absolutely false.”
Dangote Group said it was not involved in the production or sales of GMOs and its research in Nigeria or anywhere.
“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,” Adeniyi said in a statement he issued on Tuesday in Lagos.
The statement further stated that, “In 2014, Dangote signed $1billion agreement with FG or integrated rice production in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa and Kwara.
“In 2016, Dangote Group started a multibillion naira Rice Outgrower Scheme over 8,000 hectares in Hadejia, Jigawa State.
“In 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 intent of this broadcast 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 organizations 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.”
