The Federal Government, on Thursday, commenced the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidised rate of ₦40,000 per 50kg bag.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of high food prices, which have persisted for over a year.
The flag-off ceremony was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s headquarters in Abuja, led by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.
The minister highlighted that the sale of the milled rice was carried out under the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Kyari stated, “It is indeed my pleasure to welcome you all to this historical, all-important, and long-awaited flag-off of the sales of 30,000 MT of FGN-milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidised rate of ₦40,000 per 50kg.” He explained that the initiative was part of the President’s vision to ensure that “Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry.”
The Minister noted that the initiative is crucial given the recent global challenges affecting food production and distribution, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change.
These factors, coupled with local issues, have led to food insecurity and a significant rise in prices.
“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” Kyari said, adding that it is one of the administration’s numerous efforts to alleviate the burden of high food costs.
To ensure transparency and equitable distribution, Kyari stated that a multi-disciplinary government team would monitor the sale, with strict guidelines in place, including a limit of one 50kg bag of rice per person.
Beneficiaries will be required to provide identification, such as a National Identification Number (NIN) or phone number, to prevent fraudulent access to the subsidised rice.
Kyari further urged Nigerians to support the Tinubu administration’s food security initiatives, expressing optimism that the introduction of the 30,000 metric tonnes of rice would help reduce the price of rice and other food commodities.
“With the injection of 30,000 MT (1,000 trucks of 30 MT each) of this important staple into Nigeria’s food balance sheet, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives,” he said.
“On behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, I hereby flag-off the sales of the FGN-milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidised rate.
“I sincerely also wish to use this opportunity to encourage Nigerians to remain steadfast and be patient with Mr. President as his numerous efforts to enhance food security will soon begin to pay off.”
