The federal government has announced that it has begun the sale of locally produced rice at a subsidized price of N40,000 per 50kg bag.
The announcement was met with a mix of relief and questions among Nigerians grappling with soaring food prices
In a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the initiative aimed to ameliorate the prevailing food crisis in Nigeria.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, the minister for Agriculture who flagged off the initiative added it will help ensure Nigerian citizens to go to bed hungry.
The Minister noted that the present challenges are not peculiar to Nigeria alone, adding that the food intervention was timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation.
He also revealed that to be eligible, buyers are required to present valid identification, including a National Identification Number (NIN).
Additionally, a maximum of one bag per individual will be enforced to ensure equitable distribution.
His words:
However, during his address, the minister failed to provide locations or details on how the rice can be purchased.
This has marred the excitement that greeted the announcement
Kunle Adejomo, a civil servant in Lagos told TimesNow.com.ng he is yet to find where the N40,000 bag of rice is begin sold.
Kabiru Saje @kabirusaje also said:
In response to questions, @woye1 wrote:
Read more on rice here:
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Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that PDP chieftain Comrade Usman Okai Austin made a strong demand amid growing concerns over Kogi Governor Usman Ododo’s silence on the 20 trucks of rice received from the federal government.
Speaking with the press on Friday, Okai demanded that the Kogi government account for the rice and ensure a fair distribution exercise to the people of the state.
Proofread by Kola Muhammed, journalist and copyeditor at TimesNow.com.ng
