By Daniel Adaji

The Federal Government has commenced the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of subsidised milled rice to Nigerians at the rate of N40,000 per bag.

It started the subsidised rice sale at a ceremony that took place in Abuja on Thursday.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative was made possible by the directives of President Bola Tinubu, who is committed to ensuring that “Nigerians do not go to bed hungry.”

He said, “It is indeed my pleasure to welcome you all to this historical, all-important, and long-awaited flag-off of the sales of 30,000MT of Federal Government of Nigeria milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidised rate of N40,000 per 50kg.

“This kind gesture was made possible at the expense and directives of President Bola Tinubu, who does not want Nigerian citizens to go to bed hungry, and in his wisdom deemed it important to initiate this food intervention.”

Kyari noted that the recent challenges of COVID-19, the Russian-Ukraine war, climate change, and localised factors have made it difficult for Nigerians to access food.

“We are all aware that in the recent past, especially after the mass of COVID-19, and due to the Russian-Ukraine war, climate change and other localised factors, challenges to food prices,  have made it difficult for Nigerians,” he said.

The minister emphasised that the Federal Government had put in place measures to ensure transparency and success in the sales of the subsidised rice.

He urged citizens to cooperate with the relevant agencies of government to achieve the objectives of the scheme.

“I, therefore, urge our dear citizens to cooperate with the relevant agencies of government who will try to serve you to achieve this great initiative of government. Let us work together to ensure that the dream of the present administration to uphold the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved,” Kyari said.

He also clarified that the sales of the subsidised rice would be based on one person, one bag, to ensure wider reach and fairness.

The minister expressed optimism that the injection of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice into the Nigerian food balance sheet would not only reduce the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives.

Daniel Adaji

Published Date: September 6, 2024