Sierra Leone temporarily bans export of locally-produced rice, palm oil
By Olusegun A. Ogundeji – The ministry of trades and industry has placed temporary ban on export of locally-produced rice and palm oil with immediate effect.
It said the move was as a result of the concerns raised by the ‘escalating costs of basic commodities such as rice and palm oil’ as they are part of the commodities that are usually transported illegally across the border in huge quantities every week.
The ministry added that the alarming rate of the illegal export of these local produce stands the risk of introducing acute food shortages and price hikes.
Law enforcement agencies especially at the border points have been directed to enforce the ban and take appropriate actions to bring justice to any defaulter.
