Reps to compel 10% cassava content for bread to save N200bn annually

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and Technology
Hon. Abiodun Akinlade has disclosed that the House of
Representatives would soon come up with a law that will compel flour
millers across the country to add at least 10 percent cassava content
to wheat flour for bread production.
Akinlade,who represents Ipokia/Yewa South Federal constituency in Ogun
State stated this shortly after he was conferred with the Patronship
of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council at its
Awards and Galanite held in Abeokuta.
He said that the inclusion and utilization of cassava flour for bread
production could save Nigeria a whooping sum of N200 billion annually,
adding that it would generate employment opportunities for teeming
jobless Nigerians and would also affect positively the Nigerian
balance of payement.
"Let me use this opportunity to advocate on the policy of the Federal
Government on utilizing cassava flour in bread making. As the
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Science and
Technology, I wish to identify myself with this policy which has the
potentials of saving the country over N200 billion annually and also
create market for our cassava farmers.
"Cassava is mostly grown in Southern Nigeria and Ogun state is one of
the leading producers of Cassava in Africa. Out people will therefore
definitely benefit immensely from the policy. The House of
Representatives is currently working on a law to compel flour millers
to add at least 10 percent Cassava content to wheat flour for bread
making in order to give legal muscle to the policy.
"I have had several opportunities of eating Cassava bread and I can
confirm that it is not too different from the regular bread. Let us
all support this initiative in the interest of the nation and the
economy of our State", he concluded.