The Federal Government has announced that only public servants with registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be eligible to purchase rice from its newly launched sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice.
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to reduce food prices in the Nigerian market and prevent racketeering.
Speaking at the flag-off event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, emphasized the strict enforcement of the “one person, one bag” policy. The 50kg bags of rice, priced at ₦40,000 each, will serve as a government intervention to alleviate the current food crisis in the country.
Kyari stated, “This food intervention is timely considering the challenges facing our citizens. It is one of the numerous efforts by this administration to cushion the effect of the rising cost of food commodities.”
He cited global factors such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change, as well as localized issues, as contributors to the rising cost of food in Nigeria. Kyari also noted that these challenges are not unique to Nigeria, but are part of a global crisis.
The minister assured Nigerians that the government is taking steps to ensure transparency in the distribution of the subsidized rice. Measures include using the NIN and phone numbers for verification to prevent multiple purchases and ensure the rice reaches a wider audience.
Haruna Sule Abutu, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve at the ministry, outlined the process for buying the subsidized rice: “To qualify for the purchase, individuals must present their NIN, phone number, or be registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) for public servants. Once logged into the system, a code number and Treasury receipt will be generated, allowing the buyer to collect their rice at designated centers.”
Kyari called on Nigerians to remain patient and support the government’s efforts to enhance food security, assuring them that more initiatives will soon begin to yield results.
