Osun lawmaker decries “Indian Gari” importation to Nigeria

A member of the Osun State House of Assembly representing Obokun Constituency Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has condemned the alleged report of Indian Imported Gari into Nigeria Market, describing it as unacceptable.

Oyintiloye stated this while fielding questions from newsmen following the break of the news on Social Media that imported Gari was cited in a supermarket which was allegedly imported from Indian.

He pointed out that the development if allowed to have a foothold on the economy would not only cause further damaged to the economy but will permanently destroy the development of the value chain in the Agriculture sub-sector and cassava production.

He wondered how such staple food commodity in which Nigeria has comparative advantage could penetrate the country, charging the nation’s borders keepers and regulatory agencies to be on top of their game.

According to him, such development should not be tolerated at a time the nation was striving to leap out of recession and strategizing to strengthen the dollar.

“Majority of small scale farmers, marketers depend on the cultivation, production and sales of Gari in the local market to survive”

“The importation of Gari into Nigeria is absurd and not acceptable. We must protect the economy especially, staple foods that we produce in this country”

The parliamentarian challenged all stakeholders to speak with one voice against reckless importation of goods to the country.

He also challenged farmers who are into production of Garri and such other staple food commodities to buckle up and repackaged their product to make it more acceptable.

He was optimistic that collaborating efforts of all stakeholders would not only save the economy but will set her on the path of recovery.