In a bid to combat rising food costs and alleviate hardship, the Federal Government has commenced the sale of 30,000 Metric Tons (MT) of milled rice at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced the initiative, which involves deploying 1,000 trucks to deliver a total of 600,000 bags of rice.
Kyari emphasized that the intervention, directed by President Bola Tinubu, aims to address the impact of global disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict on food security. The minister noted that Nigeria faces significant challenges in food prices and farm yields, and this program is part of the government’s broader efforts to support citizens during these trying times.
To ensure fairness and prevent fraud, the government has implemented measures requiring buyers to present their National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers. Civil servants will need to provide their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) numbers to access the rice.
Director of Strategic Grains Reserve, Dr. Haruna Sule, explained that the sale will be conducted nationwide, with a transparent process in place. After verifying their identification, buyers will pay electronically and receive a receipt with a collection code. This code will be used to retrieve the rice at designated collection points.
Kyari urged Nigerians to cooperate with the authorities to make the program a success and remain patient as the administration works to improve food security.
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