The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of subsidized milled rice to Nigerians, priced at N40,000 per 50kg bag. The initiative was officially flagged off in Abuja on Thursday, with the goal of alleviating hunger and making food more accessible across the country.
Speaking at the launch, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, highlighted that the program was a direct result of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to tackling food insecurity. “President Bola Tinubu is determined to ensure that Nigerians do not go to bed hungry,” Kyari said, emphasizing that the subsidized rice sales were part of the President’s broader food intervention plan.
Kyari explained that the recent economic challenges, including the effects of COVID-19, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change, had significantly impacted food prices in Nigeria, making it difficult for citizens to afford basic staples. “These factors, combined with local challenges, have driven up the cost of food, and we have to address this issue,” he said.
To ensure the smooth distribution of the subsidized rice, the Federal Government has implemented transparency measures and urged Nigerians to cooperate with the relevant agencies. The minister stressed that the rice would be sold on a “one person, one bag” basis to guarantee fair distribution and to reach as many households as possible.
Kyari expressed confidence that the release of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice would help stabilize food prices, not only for rice but also for other related food items, thus easing the pressure on Nigerian families.
“This intervention will significantly lower the price of rice and other substitutes in the market, helping to restore balance to the food supply chain,” he added.
The initiative is part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address the rising cost of living and food insecurity in Nigeria, aiming to support millions of households across the country during these challenging times.
