Government Launches Sale of 30,000 Metric Tons of Rice at N40,000
In response to escalating food prices, the Federal Government has initiated the sale of 30,000 metric tons of milled rice at a subsidized price of N40,000 per 50kg bag. This effort, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to assist civil servants and various other Nigerians.
This new measure follows previous government actions, including the distribution of 42,000 metric tons of diverse food products to vulnerable populations. The government underscores that these actions are also intended to bolster national food security.
During the launch event in Abuja, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, praised President Tinubu’s dedication to addressing hunger. He noted that the intervention is particularly timely given the current economic difficulties and global food supply disruptions.
To ensure equity and transparency, Kyari highlighted several safeguards, including a “one man, one 50kg bag” policy and verification through National Identification Numbers (NIN) and phone numbers. These measures are designed to prevent duplicate purchases and ensure that the rice reaches its intended recipients.
Kyari encouraged citizens to cooperate with the oversight agencies and expressed confidence that the initiative would lead to lower prices for rice and other food items. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to guaranteeing the right to food for all Nigerians.
The distribution plan involves allocating 1,000 trucks per state to facilitate the process. The government has implemented a comprehensive strategy to address potential challenges and ensure the program’s success, focusing on transparency and broad accessibility.
Haruna Abutu, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve at the Ministry, outlined the distribution process, emphasizing a straightforward approach to ensure each eligible person receives one bag of rice. Multiple distribution points will be set up nationwide to avoid overcrowding and ensure an efficient process for all beneficiaries.
