The federal government has started selling 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50-kilogram bag.
“It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this historical, all-important and long-awaited inauguration of the sales of 30,000MT of federal government-milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidised rate of N40,000 per 50 kilogrammes,” said the minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari.
Mr Kyari inaugurated the sale of the subsidised milled rice on Thursday in Abuja, saying the exercise would be carried out across the country.
“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” said Mr Kyari.
He added, “This kind gesture was made possible at the expense and directives of President Bola Tinubu, who does not want Nigerian citizens to go to bed hungry and, in his wisdom, deemed it important to initiate this food intervention.”
Mr Kyari said food prices and chains were distorted globally after COVID-19, the Russian-Ukraine war, and climate change, amidst other localised factors and challenges. According to him, Nigeria is not an exception.
Mr Kyari said intending beneficiaries would be verified using relevant identification mediums such as the National Identification Number (NIN).
“In view of the above, I urge our dear citizens to cooperate with the relevant agencies of government who will try to serve you to achieve this great initiative of government.
“It is expected that with the injection of 30,000MT (1,000 trucks of 30MT) each of this important staples into Nigeria’s food balance sheet.
“It will not only crash the price of rice but also other closer food substitutes and alternatives,” he said.
NAN
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