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Breaking News: See the Requirements for Purchasing Subsidized Rice at N40,000 per 50kg Bag

Published by Tope Fakinlede on September 7th, 2024.

Breaking News: See the Requirements for Purchasing Subsidized Rice at N40,000 per 50kg Bag

The Federal Government has introduced a new policy requiring the National Identification Number (NIN) for those wishing to purchase subsidized rice. Starting now, 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice are available to Nigerians at a reduced rate of N40,000 per 50kg bag.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari, announced the initiative at a launch event on Thursday. Kyari emphasized that the rice will be sold on a “one person, one bag” basis, aimed at alleviating the current food crisis.

“This intervention comes at a crucial time given our current challenges,” Kyari stated. “As part of the administration’s efforts to mitigate the impact of soaring food prices, we are releasing 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to vulnerable populations and making 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice available for purchase.”

Kyari noted that a government task force has been established to ensure fair distribution and transparency in the initiative. To prevent multiple purchases by a single individual, verification will be conducted using the NIN and phone numbers.

“We encourage citizens to cooperate with the relevant agencies to ensure the success of this initiative,” Kyari added. “With the addition of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice to the market, we expect a decrease in rice prices as well as those of related food items.”

Haruna Sule, Director of Strategic Grains Reserve at the Ministry of Agriculture, detailed the purchasing process for civil servants, who can use their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) details to buy the rice. Buyers must have a NIN or be registered under IPPIS to qualify for the purchase.

“At the point of sale, once your NIN is verified, a code number and a Treasury receipt will be issued,” Sule explained. “This code will be used to collect the rice from designated collection centers, ensuring an orderly process.”

Previously, in July, the Ministry of Information had announced a similar subsidized rice sale. However, the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs later instructed civil servants to register for the program, only for the plan to be suspended without explanation.