In a move to alleviate the growing hunger crisis across Nigeria, the Federal Government has officially launched the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a subsidized price of N40,000 per 50kg bag. The flag-off event, held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s headquarters in Abuja, was led by Minister Abubakar Kyari. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to reduce food prices and provide relief for citizens struggling with high costs.
Speaking at the event, Kyari emphasized that the initiative was a direct response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring no Nigerian goes hungry. The President, understanding the urgent need for food security, has directed this food intervention as part of his administration’s strategy to tackle the ongoing economic challenges.
Kyari pointed out that rising food prices have been exacerbated by a combination of global and local factors. The aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, climate change, and localized issues have all contributed to the current food crisis. These challenges, though not unique to Nigeria, have placed a significant strain on the country’s food supply, causing prices to skyrocket and increasing the risk of food insecurity.
To ensure the fair distribution of this subsidized rice, the government has implemented strict measures. Each Nigerian is allowed to purchase only one 50kg bag of rice, and identification will be verified through the National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers. This is aimed at preventing fraudulent practices and ensuring that as many citizens as possible can benefit from this initiative.
Kyari urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government agencies involved in the distribution process, emphasizing the importance of transparency and the goal of reaching a wider portion of the population