**Rice Mills Crisis Looms as Importation Gains Momentum in Nigeria** The Nigerian rice industry, once a beacon of hope for local farmers and investors, is facing a major crisis due to a surge in importation and smuggling. According to Dr. Andy Ekwelem, Director-General of the Rice Processors Association of Nigeria, a staggering 90 out of over 150 rice mills across the country are on the brink of collapse. This alarming situation raises concerns about the sustainability of the industry, which has attracted significant investment from both local and foreign entities. Nigeria, being one of the world's largest rice-consuming countries, has long been trying to reduce its reliance on imported rice. The government has implemented policies and incentives to boost local rice production, including the Anchor Borrowers' Programme, which provides loans to farmers to purchase inputs and improve their yields. However, despite these efforts, the influx of cheap imported rice, largely from countries like Thailand and Vietnam, has made local rice mills uncompetitive. The situation has been further exacerbated by smuggling, which has led to a significant loss of revenue to the government. The price instability in the market has also made it difficult for rice mills to break even, as the cost of production is higher than the selling price. The collapse of these rice mills will not only affect the livelihoods of thousands of farmers, millers, and workers but also lead to a loss of revenue for the government. It will also undermine the country's efforts to achieve food security and reduce its reliance on imported rice. To address this crisis, the government needs to implement more effective policies to protect the local rice industry, such as imposing stricter controls on importation and smuggling, and providing more support to rice farmers and millers. The Rice Processors Association of Nigeria has urged the government to take immediate action to prevent the collapse of the industry and ensure the continued growth of the sector. As the rice crisis deepens, it is clear that Nigeria needs a holistic approach to address the challenges facing the industry. This includes promoting local rice production, improving farm yields, and enhancing the competitiveness of local rice mills. By taking bold steps to address these challenges, Nigeria can ensure a more sustainable and self-sufficient rice industry that benefits the country's farmers, workers, and consumers.