The Federal Government has launched the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of subsidized milled rice to Nigerians, pricing each 50kg bag at N40,000. The initiative was officially flagged off at a ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle food insecurity.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced that the intervention was made possible through the directives of President Bola Tinubu, who is determined to ensure that “Nigerians do not go to bed hungry.”
Speaking at the launch, Kyari said, *“It is indeed my pleasure to welcome you all to this historical, all-important, and long-awaited flag-off of the sales of 30,000MT of Federal Government of Nigeria milled rice to Nigerians at a subsidized rate of N40,000 per 50kg.”* He emphasized that the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to alleviating the hardships caused by rising food prices and economic challenges.
Kyari further explained that a combination of global factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, climate change, and localized issues, has made it increasingly difficult for Nigerians to access affordable food. This subsidized rice sale is one of the key measures aimed at improving food accessibility and reducing the burden on families across the nation.
The government’s efforts are expected to have a significant impact on stabilizing food prices and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to basic food staples.
