As part of its effort to boost food production, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has moved to revive the long abandoned 180 tonnes/day capacity Rice Mill at Elele Alimini in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Executive Director, Projects, NDDC, Sir Victor Antai who disclosed this recently during an inspection tour to the facility, assured that the Rice Mill would start production to enhance food security in the region.
Antai expressed sadness that the mill production has long been abandoned, adding that returning back the rice mill to full production, would not only create food security but will also promote employment opportunities for youths.
Sir Antai, explained that the rice mill which was established as part of NDDC’s industrialisation strategies, adding that most of the equipment at the facility that would facilitate the production process were still intact and functional.
He stressed the importance of connecting the rice mill to a dedicated power line from a power injection station to guarantee steady power supply to the facility and reduce cost of production.
According to Antai: “We decided to visit the facility to know why they stopped production, and to also look for the possible ways of bringing it back to production again.
“The NDDC has to meet its mandate of food security in consonance with the drive of the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, who is determined to create employment for the teeming youths of the region.
“With the briefing from the chief engineer of this facility, all the equipment are still functioning. What is left is for us to interface with the management of Elephant Group. In no time the MD and management will take a decision on how best to handle this facility and get it up and running.”
He thanked the NDDC for building a gigantic rice mill project in the Niger Delta Region; revealing that the commission went into a partnership with the Elephant Group, Unfortunately, they stopped production in 2022.
