The Nigerian federal government has commenced the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag, exclusive to public servants with registered National Identification Numbers (NIN). This initiative, flagged off by Minister of Agriculture Abubakar Kyari, aims to curb food inflation and prevent racketeering. Buyers will be limited to one bag per person, and strict verification using NIN and phone numbers will be employed to ensure transparency.
The Nigerian government has initiated the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to public servants, priced at N40,000 per 50kg bag, as part of its efforts to address rising food prices and inflation. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the launch during a flag-off ceremony on September 5, 2024, outlining measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.
Kyari explained that the sale of rice would be strictly regulated under a “one man, one bag” policy, requiring buyers to present their National Identification Number (NIN) or be registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS). This verification process aims to prevent racketeering and ensure that the subsidized rice reaches its intended recipients.
“The sale of this subsidized milled rice is part of the government’s broader effort to alleviate the food crisis and reduce the high cost of commodities in Nigerian markets. By limiting sales to public servants with verified NINs, we aim to curb any form of fraud or exploitation,” said Kyari.
Kyari added that the current food price hikes can be attributed to various global and local challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and the effects of climate change, which have significantly impacted food security worldwide.
“The entire world is grappling with food insecurity, and Nigeria is no exception. The high cost of food commodities is a global challenge, but we are working tirelessly to ensure that Nigerians can still access affordable food. This exercise is just one of many efforts to cushion the effects of the economic crisis,” Kyari said.
The initiative, which includes the release of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice and 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to vulnerable citizens, aims to not only lower rice prices but also reduce the cost of other staple food products. The government believes that injecting such quantities into the food supply chain will have a ripple effect on the market.
To ensure fairness, Haruna Sule Abutu, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve in the Ministry, detailed the verification process for potential buyers. He explained that only individuals with valid NINs, phone numbers, or registered under the IPPIS platform would qualify to purchase the rice.
“At the point of sale, buyers must log their NIN into the system, which will generate a code and Treasury receipt. This will enable them to collect their bag of rice at a designated collection center. We have put in place this system to avoid stampedes and ensure a smooth and transparent process,” Abutu said.
Although the sale of rice at this subsidized price was initially scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024, it was postponed to ensure all necessary logistics and verification processes were in place.
The Minister urged Nigerians to cooperate with government agencies involved in the sale, assuring that the government remains committed to addressing the food security challenges facing the nation.
“President Bola Tinubu is working to enhance food security, and I urge all Nigerians to be patient as these efforts will soon bear fruit,” Kyari concluded.
Keywords: Nigeria rice sales, NIN verification, food security, N40,000 per 50kg rice, public servants, Abubakar Kyari, racketeering prevention, food inflation, government food initiative