Nigeria: Tobacco Farmers are Freewill Citizens

Source from:  THISDAY Live 03/10/2013

The Nigerian Independent Tobacco Association (NITA) has defended its relationship with the British American Tobacco Iseyin Agronomy, (BATIA) describing it as voluntary and mutually beneficial.

At a press conference in Iseyin Oyo State, Chairman, NITA, Mr. Rasheed Bakare, decried what he referred to as "false statements about the relationship of the tobacco farmers with that of the BATIA."
 
He was categorical that the tobacco farmers working with the company are in no way enslaved. Bakare described such statements as derogatory, which do not reflect their working arrangement with the BATIA.

According to him, "our members are freewill citizens. The contract we have with the company is mutually beneficial and does not in any way seek to restrict us from leaving or seeking business relationship with other parties when we so desire."

He also clarified that "contrary to reports that tobacco farming impoverishes our members, tobacco farming is the most lucrative type of farming we know."

Speaking for his members, Bakare disclosed that the company in the past provided and is still providing them with much support including a ready market for their produce. "Aside the company providing us with technical support, farm inputs, expertise on environmental management, training and incentives, they also encourage our members to plant other food and cash crops through which we can grow wealth in addition to a scholarship scheme for our children."
 
The chairman made it clear that his members have gained knowledge on their trade from this relationship. "Our members know the different tobacco grades, what they are selling and also have pricing negotiations that are independently assured with government observers always on hand to make sure that it is fair and transparent."

On other schemes in place to improve the lives of the farmers, he pointed at the farmers' productivity award, which has been in place since 2005, which, according to him, is rewarding over 200 farmers who are very happy with what they are doing and what the company is doing for them.

Bakare said that they have a relationship with the company such that if they are not happy with something or they need something they can always channel it to them and that the company has always listened to them.

The chairman used the occasion to once again appeal to the government to protect their means of livelihood, calling on the public to ignore rumours attempting to paint tobacco farming in bad light. Enditem