Recommended articles
![Nigerians waiting at National Agricultural Insurance Corporation at the Central Area in Abuja to buy government subsidised bags of rice [NAN]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'100'%20height%3D'100'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Nigerians waiting at National Agricultural Insurance Corporation at the Central Area in Abuja to buy government subsidised bags of rice [NAN]")
The initiative, spearheaded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to ease the economic burden on civil servants and other Nigerians.
This effort builds on the government's previous interventions, including the release of 42,000 metric tons of assorted food commodities to vulnerable groups.
The sale, which kicked off in Abuja, is expected to contribute to broader efforts at enhancing food security.
ADVERTISEMENT
Speaking at the launch, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the President's dedication to addressing food insecurity.
"This food intervention is timely, given the current economic challenges facing the country," Kyari said.
He noted that global disruptions in food supply chains have impacted Nigeria, making the initiative essential.
Kyari also outlined steps taken to ensure transparency, stating that the "one man, one 50kg bag" policy would be strictly enforced.
ADVERTISEMENT
How to buy subsidised rice
To prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution, buyers must provide their National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers for verification.
"Let us work together to ensure that the dream of the administration to uphold the fundamental right to food for all Nigerians is achieved," he added.
The Ministry's Director of Food and Strategic Reserve, Haruna Abutu, explained the simplified process for obtaining the rice.
According to Abutu, individuals will need their NIN, and civil servants must also be registered on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) to qualify.
ADVERTISEMENT
Payments will be made electronically, and receipts will indicate collection points to avoid overcrowding.
Abutu assured the public that multiple sales points would be established nationwide to facilitate smooth distribution, promising transparency and efficiency.
![Former President Olusegun Obasanjo. [Getty Images]](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf8,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg'%20width%3D'300'%20height%3D'172'%20data-ring-placeholder%3D'1'%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E "Former President Olusegun Obasanjo. [Getty Images]")