The sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice has begun in Abuja on Thursday, September 5. In order to purchase this rice, the Federal Government has stated that public servants must have a registered National Identification Number (NIN). Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, announced this measure to prevent illegal activities and to reduce food prices in Nigerian markets.
Kyari, represented by President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that the rice will only be sold to individuals at a rate of ₦40,000 for 50kg, strictly "one bag per person". This intervention from the government aims to provide subsidized rice to alleviate the current food crisis in Nigeria.
In light of the present challenges faced by the country, the timing of this food intervention is crucial and commendable. The administration deserves recognition for its efforts, such as releasing 42,000MT of Assorted Food Commodities to those in need. The current high prices of food can be attributed to various factors, such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change.
The Minister stressed that these challenges are not unique to Nigeria and have caused global concerns about food insecurity and declining living standards. He also acknowledged the potential challenges that may arise from the sale of such a crucial staple during this critical period. To address this, the federal government has deployed a multi-disciplinary approach and established certain procedures and conditions.
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