The Federal Government has announced that only public servants with valid National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be eligible to purchase rice as it launches the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice.
This initiative, aimed at curbing racketeering and stabilizing food prices, was unveiled on Thursday, September 5, by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during an event in Abuja.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Kyari, represented by President Bola Tinubu, explained that the rice will be sold under strict conditions to ensure fairness. “Each person is entitled to only one 50kg bag of rice, sold at a flat rate of ₦40,000,” he stated, emphasizing that the initiative is part of the government’s broader plan to address the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria.
“This intervention is timely, given the current challenges faced by citizens across the country. It is one of several measures by this administration to alleviate the high cost of food,” Kyari said. He also highlighted other government efforts, such as the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to vulnerable groups, in addition to the 30,000 metric tonnes of rice now available for purchase.
The minister attributed the rise in food prices to global factors like COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change, which have exacerbated food insecurity and lowered living standards. “These challenges are not unique to Nigeria, but the government is committed to mitigating their impact on its citizens,” Kyari noted.
Aware of the potential challenges surrounding the distribution of such a staple food, Kyari assured the public that the government has implemented several measures to ensure transparency and fairness. “We have put in place a multi-disciplinary approach to guarantee the success of this initiative. Verification processes, including the use of NIN and phone numbers, have been introduced to prevent multiple purchases and ensure that the rice reaches as many people as possible.”
The government has also deployed mechanisms to prevent fraud and ensure smooth distribution. Haruna Sule Abutu, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve at the Ministry, outlined the process for buying the subsidized rice. He explained that individuals must present their NIN or phone number at the point of sale. “Public servants registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) are also eligible. Once logged into the system, a code and Treasury receipt will be generated, allowing buyers to collect their rice from designated centers,” Abutu said. He added that the receipt will detail the time and location for pickup to avoid overcrowding.
Kyari urged Nigerians to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure the success of the initiative, stating, “Together, we can achieve the goal of ensuring the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians. With the injection of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice into the market, we anticipate not only a reduction in rice prices but also in other related food items.”
