Recounting events at the end of military rule in 1979, Obasanjo said his government had been on the verge of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production before handing over to civilians. “By the time we left in July 1979, we wanted to be self-sufficient in rice production. Based on the findings, Obasanjo explained, his administration banned the importation of rice before leaving office in October 1979. One of the barons who obtained a rice import licence from America ordered rice and then asked the suppliers to add $5m to the cost. Obasanjo emphasised that for Africa to come of age, it must record annual GDP growth of nine to ten per cent.

Source: Punch February 13, 2026 09:13 UTC