On June 21 2016, Dr. Michael Johnson (IFPRI) gave a seminar presentation at the Ahmadu Bello University Campus in Zaria, Kaduna State entitled, “Optimal Tariffs with Smuggling: A Spatial Analysis of Nigerian Rice Policy Options”. Research results presented were part of a study that contributed to the book on the Rice Economy of Nigeria and for which Dr. Johnson is a co-editor. Results show the welfare implications of alternative rice tariff regimes given the likelihood of smuggling and tariff evasion when tariffs are high. The seminar was well received and generated a lively debate among participants on the appropriate policy responses for stimulating output growth in the domestic rice sector of Nigeria – attracting up to 90 participants from the academia and research community at ABU. The feedback received proved invaluable for future consideration in this type work and with respect to its policy relevance.
