The federal government has started selling 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this historical and important inauguration of the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of government-milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50 kilograms,” said Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security.
Mr. Kyari launched the sale of the subsidized rice on Thursday in Abuja. He mentioned that the sale would take place nationwide.
“This food intervention is timely given the current challenges we face as citizens of this great nation,” Mr. Kyari said.
He added, “This initiative was made possible by President Bola Tinubu, who does not want Nigerian citizens to go to bed hungry. In his wisdom, he decided to start this food intervention.”
Mr. Kyari explained that food prices and supply chains were disrupted globally due to COVID-19, the Russian-Ukraine war, climate change, and other factors. He noted that Nigeria is also affected.
He said the federal government is aware of the potential challenges of selling a staple like rice during this critical period.
Mr. Kyari stated that a government team has been set up to ensure the transparency, reach, and success of the sale.
The minister mentioned that each person could buy only one 50kg bag of rice.
He said that beneficiaries would be verified using National Identification Numbers (NIN) and phone numbers to prevent fraud and ensure fairness.
“In light of this, I urge our citizens to cooperate with the relevant government agencies to make this initiative a success,” Mr. Kyari said.
He expected that adding 30,000 metric tonnes (1,000 trucks of 30 metric tonnes each) of rice to Nigeria’s food supply would reduce the price of rice and other food substitutes.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Mariya Bunkure, the Minister of State for FCT, said the event was a significant day for improving the well-being of Nigerians.
Haruna Sule, Director of Strategic Grains Reserve at the Ministry of Agriculture, said civil servants could access the rice using their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and NIN.
Mr. Sule said Nigerians could access the rice using their NIN.
“Once you have any of these three, you present it to the sales operators and it is logged on the platform that has been created. After this, you proceed to pay electronically with your ATM; once the payment is done, it is linked to the initial sales operator, and it shows that you have paid; then a receipt will be issued with a code number.
“With this code number, you will be issued with a treasury receipt to show you have paid to the government.
“Then, you are given a receipt which shows the point of collection and time of collection; this is to eliminate any form of stampede,” he said.
