FG Begins Sale of Rice for N40,000 Per 50kg

The Nigerian government has launched the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a subsidised price of N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is part of a broader effort to provide relief to Nigerians grappling with rising food prices amidst global and local economic pressures.

At the official launch in Abuja, Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari emphasised the significance of this initiative in alleviating food insecurity. The sales will be conducted nationwide, ensuring a broad reach to the most vulnerable populations.

A timely intervention for tough times

The global food supply chain has been severely disrupted in recent years, first by the COVID-19 pandemic, then exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and further strained by climate change.

These challenges have rippled across the world, affecting nations’ food security and driving up prices of essential commodities. Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, has not been immune to these shocks.

“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” noted Kyari. He credited President Bola Tinubu for the initiative, stating that it reflects Tinubu’s commitment to ensuring that “Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry.”

How the subsidised rice sales will work

With 30,000 metric tonnes of rice—equivalent to 1,000 trucks loaded with 30 tonnes each—set to hit the market, the government is optimistic that this influx will drive down the price of rice and other staple food alternatives.

The minister explained that the purchase process is designed to be transparent and equitable, with strict measures in place to prevent fraud and ensure fair distribution.

Each individual will be allowed to purchase just one 50-kilogram bag of rice, verified through the use of their National Identification Number (NIN) and phone number.

“The use of identification mediums like NIN is crucial to ensure that fraudulent individuals do not access the commodity multiple times, to the detriment of others,” Kyari said. This process aims to ensure that as many Nigerians as possible can benefit from the initiative without exploitation by a few.

In addition, civil servants will have the option to verify their identity using the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), allowing them access to the rice with minimal hurdles.

The government has set up a platform where payments can be made electronically through ATM cards. Once payment is confirmed, customers will receive a treasury receipt and a unique code to collect their rice at designated distribution points, eliminating the possibility of overcrowding or stampedes.