Concerns Mount Over Suspended Sale of Subsidised Rice in Nigeria

A recent decision to suspend the sale of government-subsidised rice has left many Nigerians frustrated and concerned. The subsidised rice, sold at N40, 000 per bag of 50 kilograms, was launched with the aim of making it more affordable for the population. However, its abrupt suspension has left many questions unanswered.

According to a cross-section of civil servants in Abuja, who were eagerly awaiting the chance to purchase the rice, the suspension has caused significant inconvenience. Mrs. Mary Nwachukwu, a civil servant who had been waiting to access the rice, expressed her disappointment, saying, "I was encouraged to come to the registration unit, only to be told that the whole thing has been suspended. Nobody knows what may happen next, and if the scheme will still continue."

Another civil servant, Mrs. Kudirat Muktah, who had struggled to access the rice, blamed the suspension on the chaotic conditions at the registration points. "If they can adopt a better method of access to the rice, it will be better for us," she said.

The suspension of the scheme has also led to rumors about the reasons behind it. An authoritative source within the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the registration of beneficiaries was stopped due to rowdiness, noise, and chaos within the premises. The source revealed that the plan is to decentralise the purchase of the rice, involving ministries and agencies under them.

This new arrangement aims to provide a more efficient process, allowing core civil servants to register in their respective ministries and those in agencies to register with their parent ministries. The source advised officials at ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to liaise with their mother ministries to access details of the new payment and distribution method of the palliative rice.

Despite the suspension, the plan to provide affordable rice remains in place. With Nigeria facing food insecurity, this initiative was seen as a step towards alleviating the burden of hunger on its citizens. As one civil servant, Mr. Sylvester Edwards, noted, "The palliative rice will, to some extent, ease the burden of hunger, so it’s important for the government to bring it back."

While the suspension has raised concerns, it remains to be seen how the government will address the issues that led to its decision and restore the scheme. Nigerians are eagerly awaiting clarity on the future of this important initiative.