In response to rising food prices, the Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a subsidized price of N40,000 per 50kg bag. The initiative, launched by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, aims to alleviate the ongoing hunger crisis across the country.
The flag-off event took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, where Kyari emphasized that this intervention was in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to combat food insecurity. He acknowledged the global challenges impacting food prices, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change, which have affected Nigeria as well.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the sale of rice will be strictly regulated, with each individual allowed to purchase only one bag of rice. The government will verify buyers using their National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers to prevent fraudulent activities.
Kyari expressed optimism that this effort, along with other government initiatives, would help reduce the price of rice and related food products. He also called on Nigerians to support the administration as it works towards improving food security in the country.
