FG launches sale of subsidized rice to alleviate food crisis

Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government has launched the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50kg bag to mitigate the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria.

The initiative was announced during a launch event at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Headquarters in Abuja, where the Minister, Abubakar Kyari, stated that the program was initiated under the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

The President is committed to ensuring that no Nigerian goes hungry, especially during these challenging times.

Kyari also highlighted that the recent spike in food prices and supply chain disruptions, influenced by factors such as the aftermath of COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change, have severely impacted food security globally, including in Nigeria.

He noted that this intervention is essential to address the rising concern of food insecurity and declining living standards.

“The present challenges are not unique to Nigeria, but this intervention is timely and necessary,” the Minister said.

He also emphasized that the government has established measures to ensure transparency and broad access to the subsidized rice, deploying a multi-disciplinary approach to manage the distribution effectively during this critical period.

The government’s food intervention is expected to provide much-needed relief to millions of Nigerians struggling with high food costs, underscoring its commitment to tackling the nation’s food security challenges.

“This includes one man and one 50kg of rice, others are the verification of intended beneficiaries using relevant identification mediums such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers to forestall multiple access to the food commodity by fraudulent individuals at the detriment of other citizens”.

He therefore urged the citizens to cooperate with the relevant agencies of the government to work together to ensure that the dream of the present administration to uphold the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved.

The Minister further stated that “It is expected that with the injection 30,000MT (1000 trucks of 30MT each) of this important staple into Nigeria food balance sheet, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives” adding that the exercise would also be carried out across the country.

In her goodwill message, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure stated that the event was an important day to enhance the well-being of Nigerians.

She stressed that the 30,000 metric tonnes of rice embodied federal government efforts to ensure food security.

In an interview with the Director, Strategic and Grains Reserve Department, Engr. Haruna Suleiman revealed that Civil Servants could access the grains from the point of sale with their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and NIN. He added that Nigerians could also use their NIN only to access the rice.

Highlight of the event was the official flag off of sales of the subsidized milled Rice by the Hon. Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security and FCT.

In attendance were the representatives from Nigeria Custom Services, ICPC, EFCC, and staff of FCDA, amongst others.