By Modupe Gbadeyanka
All things being equal, by December 2017, Nigerians would be consuming Dangote Rice, a director at Dangote Group, Mr Tunde Mabogunje, has disclosed.
Speaking at the launch of a one-stop shop for the group’s products in the south-east, Mr Mabogunje said steps are being taken by the company to make this a reality.
He said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has made it possible for local business owners to embrace agriculture.
He further noted that the rice would be of quality, stressing that Dangote Group is reputed for its stance on quality.
However, Dangote Rice would have to compete with other local brands that might flood the market in December.
Last year, the Lagos and Kebbi State governments entered into a partnership for the production of LAKE Rice, which crashed prices of rice at the market in December.
Other states are planning to key into rice production for sale this December, while others like Ebonyi are thinking to popularise the Abakaliki Rice again.
Ogun State has Ofada Rice, though we cannot confirm if the state government is planning to go the way of Ebonyi State.
Dangote Group has already dominated the staple food industry in Nigeria with the production of tomato paste, salt, sugar and others.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya