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Rice: The New Edible Gold
By Eric Elezuo
About two months ago, the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government ordered the closure of the nation’s borders, the Seme border inclusive. His reasons were bordered on the desire to stop the proliferation of small arms and illegal smuggling of food items, especially rice and frozen foods. Ever since then, rice, which hitherto has been Nigeria’s staple food, has become a luxurious commodity as its rice has hit the roof. Since the shutdown, the cost of a bag of imported rice has reportedly jumped by over 40% – from N14,000/15,000 to N21,000/23,000.
In the midst of the complains, the Nigerian government has maintained that its borders would remain closed until neighbouring countries begin to respect Nigeria’s policy on food importation. This notice has elicited negative reactions from neighbouring countries. Niger Republic for one has banned both importation and exportation of good from and to Nigeria; Ghana has cried out, inferring intimidation as they claimed Nigeria goods continue to enter the soil of Ghana while Ghana goods are not allowed to enter Nigeria among other complaints.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Hammed Ali, who spoke for the FG disclosed this when he visited Maigatari border in Jigawa State.
“Most of the criminals are not citizens of Nigeria. They come in at will and go out at will because our borders are so porous. They come and create havoc and disappear.
“This is why the President directed that we should go on and embark on this drill to ensure that we put into place a proper procedure for in and outflow of people.
“We must also get our neighbours to agree with us on the protocols of transit routes.”
He concluded his briefing with a line which many Nigerians considered hilarious. He said “Nigeria has enough food”, stressing that the country will ensure its borders are no longer porous.
Meanwhile, in towns, creeks, hinterlands and remote parts of the country, homes and families lament the adverse effect of the border closure as rice, the staple food of most Nigerian homes, has gone beyond the reach of not a few families.
The Boss investigation reveals that the Seme Border along the Badagry Expressway, has remained firmly under lock and key with security agencies, especially heavily armed military personnel and customs official parading the vicinity. A Seme border source said the security continue to apprehend dire devil smugglers and seizing their merchandise.
Most traders that ply the route complained the unfair treatment of the government in locking down borders, thereby depriving them of legitimate means of livelihood.
“I am a rice dealer. I buy from across the border and move them in legitimately, clearing through customs and other relevant agencies before getting passage. I know there are other criminals in the business who are not involved in the business of legitimacy. But the government should not have punished everybody for the sin of a few,” the trader, who identified himself simply as Ossy said.
He hinted that as a family man, he has been rendered unproductive, and things have become so terrible.
“At the moment, I can hardly feed my family, and swapping to a new kind of business has not been easy. The government should as a matter of urgency review the policy that necessitated the closure.
The trader argued that as a government, there should be a way of handling and dealing with criminally minded people without punishing the general public.
Mr Okechukwu Nwaibe is a transporter, who ply the Badagry/Seme route to take traders to and fro their businesses. He lamented that for the two months the border has been on lock down, he has not earned a coin. This is as activities of traders along the route has not only reduced but has become non-existent. He told The Boss in a voice full of emotion that life has become very unbearable.
It is not only those that ply their trade along the route that are complaining; the consumers of the grain, whose homes have been stripped of their staple food are lamenting more than loudly.
Rice is one food Nigerians keep in the house both for sustenance and emergency purposes. This is because it can be cooked with next to nothing and enjoyed on a low key and one will still be satisfied. The way the food come in handy when needed has made it the food of choice in most average Nigerian homes. Some consume it on a daily triangular basis, and that explains the reason behind the biting scourge as it has suddenly becomes scarce.
Hear Ladeinde Adegoke who works with a privately owned firm:
“I have three children, and if you add my wife, my wife’s niece staying with us and myself, that makes it six mouths to feed. I earn N60, 000 salary on a monthly basis with nothing else attached; no bonus of any kind irrespective of the season. So I have always managed to get a bag of rice for the family to manage on a monthly basis, but now, it has become something else. The price, if you ever find the product, is not affordable. This is what children takes to school every morning, and it has become increasingly difficult to sustain the family. The government is practically taking us back to the early days of Buhari when people had to buy a bag of rice for as high as N25,000,” he said.
Mr Adegoke’s story is the same in virtually every average Nigerian home. Most workers, who are on N100,000 salary and below has been on the receiving end. Even high profile businessmen are not spared as the spiraling effect continue to trickle down.
The Boss’ trip to the Okoko market on the Badagry Expressway where rice sellers converge was met with silence and forlorn faces. Most of the traders said they can no longer find the product to sell, and those who managed to get it has put the price beyond reach.
“As you can see, my shop is empty; I doubt if there is a better reason for closing the border if not to subject the common Nigerians to perpetual suffering. Can you imagine that Customs officials even raided over stores, where we used to pack the products, and carted away consignments in our possession. These were goods we had long before the borders were closed. Honestly, I don’t believe the government is checking anything; they just want to put us through unbearable hardship,” Mama Blessed, a rice seller said.
A very angry respondent, who refused to volunteer his name said “please help me ask them which rice Buhari, Oshiomhole and all of them eat in their homes. This is pure hypocrisy.”
In the meantime, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has appealed to the Nigerian government to reopen the borders, even as the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the borders will not be opened until certain ‘measures’ are put in place.
The ECOWAS warned that the partial closing of border crossings to Benin and Niger, which prevents the free movement of people, is a violation of agreements signed by Nigeria.
“The closure of the Nigerian borders with Benin more than a month ago, and [with] Niger more recently, [are] a hindrance to the achievement of the Community’s main objective, which is to achieve the creation of a prosperous, borderless West African region where peace and harmony prevail,” the speaker of the Parliament, Moustapha Cisse Lo, said.
It is on record that President Muhammadu Buhari made agriculture and food surplus a policy of his administration on assumption in 2015. This, the government believe will reduce dependence on crude oil and create other means of obtaining foreign exchange. Also, rice and palm oil have been the agricultural product with the greater consideration.
But much as records show that there is increase in local rice production, as reflected between 2013 and 2017, there seems not to be enough to meet the demand of the over 200 million population.
The inability to meet up in addition to stringent import control measures, have kept the price of rice high and led to rampant smuggling of rice across borders.
But while the Nigerian government maintained that the border closure is yielding results, impounding bags of imported rice, Nigerians are asking to whom are the results beneficial.
Speaking to some Nigerians who said they are also feeling the pangs of the border closure, the Boss discovered that some are willing to see the end of the closure and what it portends.
“I think it is a good venture if the intentions are pure. This is because we need a check of this nature because we import almost everything we use in this country including things we can easily produce. Maybe, we will endure the suffering for a few more weeks and then, we fall back to our own products,” Frank Onyeije reasoned.
But in his reaction, the President, Nigeria-Slovakia Chambers of Commerce, Mr. Vitalis Njoku, said the closure would have made more sense if it was all encompassing, and not restricted to the Seme Border, and later to the border connecting Niger Republic. He reiterated that while these borders remained manned because they are structured, other borders are working at full force with little or no restriction.
He was of the view that there is no economic sense in closing borders to stop smuggling or the likes when there is not enough commodity for the populace, saying there can be two reasons for the closure 1. the need to impoverish a certain class of Nigerians and 2. to further enrich a certain class of Nigerians.
“It is laughable to say that the government closed the borders to improve the economy; which economy? There is hardly something you can call economy in this country. The closure as far as I am concerned is a calculated attempt to enrich some and impoverish some. Right now, the prices of food have sky-rocked. This is not about rice. Almost every product…everyone blames the hike in products to ‘closure of border’ and the ordinary man is paying through his nose to buy essentials,” Mr. Njoku said.
The entrepreneur hinted that there is every livelihood that the borders, especially the Lagos corridor, was closed on the insistence of the richest man in Africa, saying that the borders break his monopoly of the food items.
“There is a Dangote connection to this closure saga. Dangote is practically the greatest beneficiary to the closure; he is the one selling his products easily now, at whatever price he deems fit. Recall that he once complained about the importation of most things in the country through the Seme border. He once said, ‘having a neighbour like Benin Republic is bad luck’. The way it is now, the common man is suffering, and the elites don’t care. That is why the likes of Oshiomhole will canvass for continuous closure. They can afford whatever item at whatever price, but can the regular Nigerian?” he queried.
Mr. Njoku also noted that the government policy has heightened crime in the society as many who has been rendered jobless had ‘to do something by all means’. It was also discovered that very poor quality local rice are being re-bagged in foreign rice and sold at the price of foreign rice.
He advised the government to as a matter of urgency reopen the borders as very innocent Nigerians are at the receiving end. Not a few Nigerians fear that a bag of rice is likely to cost as high as N40/45, 000 by December.
In the midst of the confusion, Nigerians are asking ‘where does the seized rice go?’
By Eric Elezuo
The Nigerian political circle is fast taking shape as the 2027 presidential election draws closer. As a result, permutations regarding who contests for what position, and under what platform is gaining momentum.
From every indication, three political parties have so far shown cause as the main platforms of choice, that is if feelers from the reviving Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its newest bride, former President Goodluck Jonathan, are anything to ignore.
The parties are the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the erstwhile coalition group, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the freshly introduced Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC). One common denomination attached to these political parties is that they all congresses.
Among the three frontline parties is the NDC, whose life was recently enhanced with the inclusion of two south and north politicians; Mr Peter Obi, who contested under the umbrella of the Labour Party in 2023, and unarguably made serious in-roads even as a newcomer, and Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, who contested under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP). Kwankwaso’s influence was restricted to his native Kano State, but garnered a total of 1.4 million votes across boards. Today, the two politicians are joining forces in what has been termed Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement to attempt to wrestle power from President Bola Tinubu. Both are also bringing with them their vocal movements; the Obidients and the Kwankwasiyya.
But analysts, stakeholders and observers alike have various considered the alliance of the two political heavyweights, wondering if the marriage is of strange bedfellows that may discard each other in the nearest future, or if there is any iota of seriousness among them that can lead to materializing its lofty objectives.
Recall that on Sunday, May 3, the duo of Obi and Kwankwaso dumped the ADC, and joined the NDC, blaming external interference and unending litigation that may hinder aspirants in the party from actualising their aspirations in 2027.
The move comes just nine months after Obi, Kwankwaso and the defacto leader of the coalition, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar joined the ADC. However, from available indices, the coalition quickly became mired in legal battles over party leadership. Obi blamed the new obstacles set before the party were direct consequences of the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
“The same Nigerian state and its agents that created unnecessary crises and hostility within the Labour Party that forced me to leave now appear to be finding their way into the ADC,” Obi had said while being received by the NDC leadership.
It is important to out on record that various voices speaking for Tinubu and federala Government have denied that they have in the quagmire that befell ADC, or has been trying to sabotage opposition parties.
Speaking afterwards, both men called for national unity, greater opportunities for young people, and an end to the infighting that has plagued Nigeria’s opposition.
However, their decision risks upsetting allies within the coalition built around the ADC, which had been positioning itself as the main vehicle for opposition unity.
Some figures within the bloc have privately expressed a sense of betrayal, raising fresh doubts about whether Nigeria’s fragmented opposition can sustain a coordinated challenge against President Tinubu, who celebrated his 74th birthday in March.
Across sectors, platforms and political corners, the influence of the Obi-Kwankwaso combination continues to grow given the political terrain a new agenda for discussion.
However, many stakeholders, among whim the very informed, have said that the union may end as abruptly as it started, stressing that political equilibrium or exigency are mostly not determined by absolutely loyalty, but most of the times by self interest and aggradizement. This, they said may turn out to be the hallmark of Alhaji Kwankwaso.
Some have reasoned that the five years age difference between Obi and Kwankwaso, with Kwankwaso having the upper hand, the academic superior of the former Kano governor, and his lengthier days in his political sojourn may form the criteria for him to refuse whatever arrangement already on the ground, including playing the running mate fiddle to Obi.
But even at that, it is important to note that Barack Obama was 47 years old when he became president, and his Vice, Joe Biden, was 66 years old. So Kwankwaso is not going to set a world record as vice that is older than his principal? Definitely not.
Another group has hinted that Kwankwaso is only oiling his own personal path to 2031, when the coast will be ripe for the candidate of northern extraction to vie for the presidency.
“Consequently, his intention is far from working for Obi’s victory nor Atiku, for neither of the two can conveniently bow out in 2031. The only person permitted by law not to seek election in 2031 is President Tinubu, if he wins the 2027 election. So, conveniently, any ambitious person with eye on the presidency will definitely want Tinubu to win,” a source told The Boss.
Another school of thought has hinted that with the sudden interest of Goodluck Jonathan in the presidency, the path may be cleared for Kwankwaso to deputize for Jonathan instead of Obi. However, as at the time that membership registration register was closed on May 10, 2026, Jonathan was a member of the Turaki-led PDP while Kwankwaso is still in the NDC.
But Kwankwaso in his speech during the inaugural convention of the NDC insisted that the presidency should be zoned to the South, noting that the south should be allowed to complete its eight years tenure. Whether he meant that for his new party, or for the Tinubu administration, the speech explains in details:
Fellow Nigerians,
It is with immense pleasure and a deep sense of fulfilment that I address you today on this historic occasion of the National Convention of our great party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), in Abuja.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Nigeria stands at a critical crossroads. The world is undergoing a profound geopolitical shift, yet our nation has been caught unprepared, largely because of poor leadership. Instead of positioning Nigeria to seize emerging opportunities, bad governance has left us bearing the brunt of global changes.
We are witnessing a sharp decline in the quality of life. Insecurity has created widows and orphans across the land. Millions have been displaced from their homes. Investments are fleeing, critical infrastructure is neglected, the education system is collapsing, and harsh economic policies have been imposed on citizens without meaningful safety nets or relief.
Yet Nigeria’s history teaches us that in our most challenging moments, visionary alliances have provided the way forward. In 1954, a historic partnership was formed between the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), led by Aminu Kano and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), led by Nnamdi Azikiwe to achieve national unity.
Again, in 1960, against steep odds, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe’s National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) formed a coalition with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) to birth our independence.
In the Second Republic, the alliance between Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme under the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) helped restore civilian rule and national unity after years of military dictatorship.
It is therefore with great sense of unity and solidarity, that as a loyal party member, I support the decision to zone the presidential ticket of the NDC to the South, so that it allows the region to complete its turn in producing national leadership.
This represents a true opportunity for true national healing. We shall work in abidance with the party’s agreement to ensure fairness and federal character in all ramifications.
This party shall also ensure to change the way things are done today by prioritising leadership without ethnic jingoism and religious favouritism.
The leadership standard we shall set will therefore restore Nigeria’s dignity and will guarantee that our citizens at home and the diaspora will be treated with respect and dignity.
Lastly, we can only achieve that by continuing to mobilise to register with INEC to vote, and the NDC to belong to this noble cause. Please register, today.
Thank you.
Long Live the Nigeria Democratic Congress!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
From every indication, the dumping of Obi by Kwankwaso may remain a page in a fiction narrative, since it is absolutely impossible for more defections to occur at this time, according to the new Electoral Act 2026.
However, the page of whether he is totally in support of Obi as his principal, still remains unwritten and blank. What is obvious is the two, by present political exigency, may lead the charge as NDC attempt to dislodge Tinubu as president, and also stop Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who may lead the ADC attack, from making any headway.
By May 30 according to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) table, all flag bearers would have been known and observers are throwing their hats in the ring to predict another 3-horse race, exactly as witnessed in 2023.
What would change would depend heavily on the homework every candidate has done prior to this time, and the alliances created on and off the political circle.
But would Kwankwaso Dump Obi at this time, the answer is likely in the negative. The level of cohesion he is willing to give is what however, that is still contentious about.
Time is almost at hand!
The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has thrown the 2027 race wide open by zoning
its presidential ticket to the South for a single four-year term, a move that instantly puts Peter Obi and other southern aspirants in play.
The decision came at the party’s national convention on Saturday after a motion by Rep. Afam Victor Ogene of Anambra’s Ogbaru constituency. Delegates adopted it without dissent.
Under the arrangement, the South gets the ticket for 2027 only. Once that four-year term ends, the ticket automatically shifts back to the North.
The zoning formula settles months of backroom jostling inside the NDC over where the party should field its standard-bearer. By locking the North into a wait-and-hold position, the convention has effectively cleared the runway for southern heavyweights to move.
For Obi, the former Anambra governor who ran in 2023, the resolution removes the biggest structural hurdle to picking up the NDC’s form. Other southern aspirants now have the same green light to purchase and process nomination forms.
Party leaders framed the deal as a balance between regional equity and political strategy ahead of 2027. Critics inside the party will watch whether the “automatic” handoff to the North holds once the race gets hot.
For now, the South has its window. The question is who walks through it first.
The Senate has amended its Standing Orders, limiting eligibility to contest for its presiding officers and principal officers to only members of the 10th Senate.
In the new rules, a senator shall only qualify to contest for Senate Presidency and Deputy Senate Presidency if he/she has won election to the Senate for at least one term of four years.
To be eligible to contest for any principal office, a senator must have won election for two consecutive periods, the last one must immediately precede the inauguration of the next Senate.
By implication, any senator who plans to vie to become a presiding officer in the 11th Senate (2027-20231) must have been a senator for at least one term preceding the inauguration.
For principal offices (chief whip, deputy whip, minority whip, etc), the senator must have been a member of the current 10th Senate, or they are not eligible to contest.
Under the new provision on “qualification of presiding officers”, it is stated in Order 3,”A Senator vying for the Office of the President of the Senate and the Deputy President of the Senate must have served at least one term of four (4) years in the Senate as a senator of the Federal Republic.”
Similarly, nomination for the positions shall strictly follow ranking in the following order: former president of the Senate; former deputy president of the Senate; former principal officers of the Senate; senators who had served for at least one term of four (4) years; and senators who had been members of the House of Representatives.
According to the provision, it is only the absence of the above that a first-term senator can be nominated to contest for the positions of presiding officers.
Under Order 5, a senator seeking to be a principal officer must have “served as a senator for at least two consecutive terms immediately preceding such nomination. “
The Senate passed the rules after a lengthy executive session presided over by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Tuesday.
The new rules impliedly gives Akpabio, other former presiding officers, principal officers and ranked senators the right of first refusal.
Findings indicated that the new rules might be what some sources described as “self-serving” or designed to serve the interest of the present presiding officers and members of the 10th Senate.
For instance, some State governors contesting the 2027 election to the Senate in the hope of vying for the presidency of the Senate, are effectively barred by the new rules.
It was also learnt that even within the Senate, the new rules will stop some senators from vying to become principal officers as they would not have attained two consecutive terms prior to 2027.
