The Nigerian federal government has rolled out a program to sell 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to public servants with registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) to tackle rising food prices.
The initiative, launched on September 5, 2024, aims to offer rice at a subsidized rate of N40,000 for a 50 kg bag. Each eligible individual is allowed to purchase only one bag.
This program is designed to address food price inflation exacerbated by factors such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the significance of this intervention in light of the current food crisis.
The government has implemented measures to ensure transparency and prevent fraud, including the use of NIN and phone numbers for verification.
“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” he said.
The minister blamed COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change, amidst other localized factors and challenges, for the high cost of food prices.
“This has led to increased concern and risk of food insecurity and a general decline in the standard of living globally. I therefore urge us to understand that the present challenges are not peculiar to our great country,” he said.
Haruna Sule Abutu, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve, detailed the purchasing procedure, which includes receiving a unique code and Treasury receipt upon purchase. This system aims to prevent multiple purchases by individuals and ensure fair distribution.
“To qualify for the one person, one bag, you must have a National Identification Number, of course you have phone numbers, and those in public service are all registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) platform,” he said.
“Once you have any of these three, at the point of sale, with the NIN logged into the system, a code number and a Treasury receipt will be generated, and with that the buyer can get to the collection center and pick up his bag. The receipt will indicate, time and point of collection to eliminate stampede.”
The government hopes this initiative will lower rice prices and positively impact other food products, contributing to improved food security in Nigeria.
Citizens are encouraged to cooperate and be patient as the program unfolds.
The federal government has flagged off selling 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to public servants with duly registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) to curb racketeering. The move is part of efforts to crash food prices in Nigerian markets.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented at the flag off by Abubakar Kyari, the minister of agriculture and food security, said the intervention will be sold strictly “one man to one bag or one woman to one bag”.
He said the rice — which is to be sold at a flat rate of N40,000 naira only for 50 kg— is the federal government intervention for the sales of subsidized milled rice to ameliorate the prevailing food crises in Nigeria.
He added that the federal government being aware of the potential challenges associated with the sales of an important staple such as rice, at this critical period has deployed a multi-disciplinary machinery of Government, as well put in place certain processes and conditions to ensure the transparency, wider reach and success of this exercise.
“This includes one man one 50kg of rice, others are the verification of intending beneficiaries using relevant identification mediums such as the National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers to forestall multiple access to this food commodity by fraudulent individuals at the detriment of other citizens,” he said.
He implored citizens to cooperate with the relevant citizens to achieve the initiative.
“Let us work together to ensure that the dream of the present administration to upheld the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved. It is expected that with the injection 30,000MT (1000 trucks of 30MT each of this important staple into Nigeria food balance sheet, it will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives.”
He called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and be patient with Mr. President as his numerous efforts to enhance Food security will soon begin to pay off.
The director, food and strategic reserve of the ministry, Haruna Sule Abutu outlined the procedure to buy the subsidised rice.
