The Federal Government has launched the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a subsidised rate of ₦40,000 per 50kg bag, but only to buyers who possess a National Identification Number (NIN).
This initiative aims to ease the burden of the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria.
At the flag-off ceremony, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, emphasised that the rice would be sold strictly on a “one person, one bag” basis.
“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” The Punch quoted Kyari as saying.
The 50kg rice bags, sold at a flat rate of ₦40,000, are part of the government’s broader plan to cushion the rising cost of food.
As part of this effort, Kyari applauded the release of 42,000MT of assorted food commodities and the current sale of 30,000MT of milled rice.
A government task force will ensure transparency and prevent individuals from securing more than one bag of rice.
Beneficiaries must provide identification, including their NIN and phone numbers.
“It is expected that with the injection of 30,000MT… it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes,” Kyari added.
Haruna Sule, Director of Strategic Grains Reserve, outlined the purchase process. Civil servants can buy the rice using their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) details, while others need a valid NIN.
Buyers will receive a code number and a Treasury receipt, which will allow them to collect their rice from designated collection centers.
The plan was first announced in July by Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed.
Initially suspended without explanation, the sale of subsidised rice is now underway, with hopes of providing much-needed relief to citizens amid rising food prices.
