Nigeria’s Government Launches Mass Rice Sale to Combat Rising Food Prices
In a bid to alleviate the strain of rising food prices, the Nigerian government has inaugurated the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50 kilogramme bag. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, launched the initiative in Abuja on Thursday, aiming to crash the price of rice and ensure food security for Nigerian citizens.
The rice sale is part of the federal government’s efforts to counter the devastating effects of COVID-19, the Russian-Ukraine war, climate change, and other localized factors, which have led to food price distortions globally. Nigeria is not immune to these challenges, and the government is committed to taking measures to support its citizens.
The subsidized rice will be sold nationwide, with intending beneficiaries to be verified using relevant identification mediums such as the National Identification Number (NIN), phone numbers, and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for civil servants. According to Dr Haruna Sule, Director Strategic Grains Reserve, Ministry of Agriculture, once the sale is made, buyers will receive a code number that can be exchanged for a bag of rice at designated collection points in Abuja.
The Nigerian government aims to have around five to six sales points across the city, and the exercise will continue until all stock is sold out. Minister Kyari urges citizens to cooperate with the relevant agencies of government in achieving this great initiative. With this injection of rice into the market, Nigerians can expect a decrease in the price of rice and other food substitutes and alternatives.
The event marked an important day for Nigeria, with the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Bunkure, describing it as a historic moment to enhance the wellbeing of Nigerians.