The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched centers across the nation where citizens can purchase a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000.
This initiative was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing on the outcomes of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held on Monday.
The meeting was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja.
Idris emphasized that this measure is one of several strategies implemented by the Tinubu administration to alleviate the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. The minister asserted that the government is actively addressing the demands of citizens, making the planned nationwide protests, set to commence on August 1, unnecessary.
“The position of the FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the Federal Government and, therefore, it is the view of the government that there is really no need for the protests again,” Idris stated.
Highlighting the government’s efforts, Idris mentioned the distribution of 740 trucks of grains to various states. Additionally, he announced that 50kg bags of rice are now available for purchase at designated centers nationwide for N40,000 each, approximately half the market price.
Idris explained, “For example, at the last Council meeting, we announced that 20 trucks had been given to each state governor for onward distribution to those who actually needed them, to the poorest of the poor in society. But the government did not stop. Rice is also being sold at about 50 per cent of its cost; a bag of rice is being sold as we speak. This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.”
The Minister also expressed optimism about the future reduction in food prices, attributing it to the onset of the rainy season which is expected to boost agricultural productivity.
