By Daniel Adaji

The sale of subsidised rice to the general public begins today (Monday), an official of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security stated on Sunday, as a notice from the ministry also confirmed the commencement of the exercise.

The ministry said the move is part of efforts to mitigate the soaring price of the staple, which has increased to as high as N90,000 per 50kg bag in some states.

The sale of subsidised rice to the general public follows the distribution of the subsidised commodity to civil and public servants in recent weeks.

This initiative comes as Nigerians grapple with skyrocketing food prices, despite the government’s promise to sell rice at a subsidised rate of N40,000 per 50kg bag.

Citizens have expressed growing frustration, with many claiming they had yet to see the promised rice or benefit from the government’s intervention.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, while addressing the nation during the launch of the rice distribution in August, acknowledged the global and domestic factors contributing to the country’s food crisis.

“We are all aware of the factors driving food prices,” Kyari said, citing the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, climate change, and local economic challenges.

The government’s initiative to release 30,000 metric tonnes of subsidised rice is expected to provide relief to many Nigerians.

However, several reports from different states indicate that rice prices remain high, far above the promised N40,000.

In Kaduna, for example, civil servant La’ah Dauda lamented, “There’s no news of rice being sold at N40,000 per bag here. Rice is sold at about N80,000 per bag in the southern parts of Kaduna.”

However, a senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security disclosed on Sunday that the initial phase of rice sales was targeted at civil and public servants.

“We started with civil and public servants because they have the necessary credentials,” the official who spoke to our correspondent in confidence due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, stated.

The source added, “Before purchasing, you must present your identity card and National Identification Number. Sales points were set up at the Head of Service office, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.”

The official further assured that sales to the general public would begin on Monday, emphasising that the government was committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from the initiative.

“Now that many civil servants have benefited, we are moving to the general public,” the source added.

Also, a notice to some groups (non-civil servants) seen by our correspondent on Sunday indicated that the government plans to begin the sale of the subsidised rice today (Monday).

The high cost of rice continues to take a toll on citizens across various regions. In Bayelsa State, a farmer, speaking anonymously, reported rice prices between N95,000 and N110,000 per bag.

“Food prices are really expensive here. Rice now sells for N95,000 to N110,000,” the farmer said.

In Lagos, the situation is no different. Idoko Isaac shared his experience, saying, “Rice used to cost N79,000 to N85,000 on Lagos Island, but now it’s around N90,000 to N95,000 per bag. In Kogi State, where I bought for my mum recently, it’s over N100,000 per bag.”

The rising cost of food has worsened Nigeria’s food inflation crisis. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, food inflation in June 2024 hit 40.87 per cent, a significant increase from 25.25 per cent in June 2023.

Basic commodities such as millet, garri, guinea corn, yam, and palm oil have also seen steep price hikes, adding to the strain on Nigerians.

An associate professor at the University of Africa, Bayelsa State, Unekwu Onuche, described the government’s palliative measures as short-term solutions.

 “Palliatives are like first aid. They offer temporary relief, but the pain remains until something concrete is done,” he said.

Onuche emphasised the need for improved food security and affordability, stating, “To address availability, farmers need to be encouraged to produce more, but they also need protection on their farms, roads, and homes from bandits and terrorists.”

As the Federal Government prepares to roll out its subsidised rice sales to the public, many Nigerians are eager to see if the N40,000 price point will be realised, providing some much-needed relief amid the country’s worsening food inflation.

Daniel Adaji

Published Date: September 16, 2024