Federal Government Stops Planned Sale of Subsidized Rice of 50 Kilogram for N40,000 to Civil Servants
The Federal Government has rescinded its plan to sell subsidized 50-kilogram bags of rice to civil servants at a price of N40,000 each. This decision was communicated via a circular titled “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants,” issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
The circular, directed to Directors and Heads of Departments, stated, “I am directed to refer to our internal circular dated August 1, 2024, and to inform you that the circular is hereby withdrawn. Further details will be provided in due course. Please ensure that the contents of this circular are communicated to staff in your respective Departments and Units.”
The abrupt cancellation has left many civil servants, who had registered for the subsidized rice, uncertain about the status of their purchase. Initially announced by Minister of Information Idris Mohammed, the program aimed to help alleviate the impact of the food crisis by providing rice at a reduced rate to civil servants in Abuja.
A previous memo, dated August 1 and signed by Mrs. Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke, Director of Human Resource Management, detailed the process for purchasing the rice. Staff members were to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website and submit it to the Director of HR for endorsement. Payment and distribution were to be managed by designated officials, with oversight by the Chairman of the Joint Union Council of the Ministry to ensure transparency.
The initiative, announced by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Senator Abubakar Kyari, was intended to start with civil servants and later extend to the general public as part of a broader effort to combat rising food inflation. Despite the government’s measures, including releasing grains from reserves and donating fertilizers to farmers, food prices continue to climb, exacerbated by increased costs for staples like millet flour, garri, bread, and wheat flour.
The suspension of the rice subsidy plan adds further complexity to the government’s efforts to stabilize food prices and provide relief amid ongoing economic
challenges.
