The Nigerian government has announced the sale of 30,000 metric tons of milled rice at a discounted rate of N40,000 per 50-kg bag.
The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is part of a larger effort to help Nigerians cope with rising food prices in the face of global and local economic challenges.
At the ceremonial opening in Abuja, Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari emphasized the importance of this program in combating food insecurity. The sales will be held around the country, ensuring a wide reach to the most vulnerable groups.
The global food supply system has been badly disturbed in recent years, beginning with the COVID-19 epidemic, then aggravated by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and now further stressed by climate change.
These concerns have reverberated over the world, threatening nations’ food security and driving up the cost of critical goods. Nigeria, 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,” pointed out Kyari. He praised President Bola Tinubu for the initiative, saying it demonstrates Tinubu’s dedication to ensuring that “Nigerian citizens do not go to bed hungry.”
With 30,000 metric tonnes of rice—equivalent to 1,000 trucks laden with 30 tonnes each—set to enter the market, the government is hopeful that this flood will lower the price of rice and other primary food options.
The minister stated that the purchasing procedure is intended to be transparent and equal, with stringent safeguards in place to avoid fraud and ensure fair distribution.
Each individual will be able to purchase only one 50-kilogram bag of rice, which will be validated using 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 told the crowd. This method strives to ensure that as many Nigerians as possible benefit from the effort without being exploited by a select few.
In addition, civil servants will be able to validate their identity using the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), allowing them to obtain rice with fewer barriers.
The government has created a platform where payments may be made electronically using ATM cards. After payment is confirmed, customers will receive a treasury receipt and a unique code to collect their rice from approved distribution areas, reducing the chance of overcrowding or stampedes.
