The Federal Government has launched a program offering 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50kg bag, with eligibility restricted to individuals with National Identification Numbers (NIN). This initiative is part of a broader strategy to alleviate Nigeria’s food crisis.
At the flag-off ceremony on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari, announced that the rice will be distributed on a “one person, one bag” basis. Kyari noted that this program is intended to ease the burden of high food prices and highlighted other government efforts, including the distribution of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food items to those in need.
Kyari also explained that a government task force will oversee the distribution to ensure transparency and prevent abuse. The task force will use NIN and phone numbers to verify buyers and ensure that no individual acquires more than one bag.
He urged citizens to cooperate with the government agencies managing the program, emphasizing that the additional 30,000 metric tonnes of rice should help lower rice prices and benefit related food items.
Haruna Sule, Director of Strategic Grains Reserve at the Ministry of Agriculture, outlined the process for purchasing the rice. Civil servants can obtain the rice at designated sales points using their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) details. To qualify for the “one person, one bag” rule, buyers must present an NIN, phone number, or be registered under IPPIS.
Sule added that buyers will receive a code and a Treasury receipt after their NIN is processed. This receipt will specify the collection point and time to manage distribution effectively and avoid congestion. At the collection point, buyers will show their code to receive their rice.
In July, Minister of Information Idris Mohammed had announced the subsidized rice program. The Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs had then instructed civil servants to register for the rice, but the initiative was later suspended without further explanation.
