The Management of TIAMIN RICE LIMITED on Sunday disclosed that the Kano State government had directed them to shut down their factory over alleged air pollution which “aggravates Coronavirus patients” in the state.

Tiamin Rice is a leading rice mill in Kano with 320 metric tonnes daily production capacity, and has well over 223 workers on its payroll in addition to over 100 casual staff.

Recall that in his nationwide address, President Muhammadu Buhari had exempted all food production and processing companies in order to minimize the impact of the pandemic on the nation and ensure food security.

Reacting to the closure order, the Deputy Managing Director of the company, Aliyu Ibrahim, in a statement on Sunday, said the government’s claim was frivolous, especially as the company is situated at over 20kms away from the state isolation center at Sani Abacha Stadium.

The deputy managing director noted further that there are nearly 30 rice mills operating in the state, wondering why his factory was the only rice mill affected by the governor’s order.

According to him, the management of the company received the state government’s letter through the Kano State Ministry of Environment dated April 18, 2020.

He said: “The decision of the state government to shut down the company was conveyed to us in a “Notice for Closing Order” dated April 18, 2020, citing an unfounded allegation of air pollution that aggravates Coronavirus patients.

“According to the notice, the government took the decision, following complaints of air pollution “which aggravate Coronavirus patients”.

“To set the records straight, there are nearly 30 rice mills operating in Kano State, but TIAMIN RICE LIMITED is the ONLY Company affected by the order, despite its distance of over 20kms away from the isolation center at Sani Abacha Stadium.”

Mr Ibrahim lamented that the effect of the company’s closure would have a negative impact on the nation’s economy in general and Kano in particular, saying: “It has completely jeopardised the economy of the ancient city and has exposed the citizens to hunger”.

While making efforts to resolve the issue amicably, the company assured its loyal customers and distributors not to panic over the setback which the management described as temporary.

“It is also heartwarming to inform our customers that our 600-tonne capacity plant in Bauchi State will soon be activated.

“We will surely overcome this present challenge and others by the Grace of Allah. Let us continue to have faith in HIM and our Health Professionals as they are doing their best in this trying moment,” the statement noted.

Credit: Daily Nigerian