Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has announced that potential buyers must present their National Identification Number (NIN) to purchase 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice being sold to Nigerians at a subsidized rate of ₦40,000 per 50-kilogram bag. The initiative, aimed at easing the burden of high food prices, was launched by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, on Thursday in Abuja.
During the inauguration of the rice sales, Kyari emphasized that the intervention was timely, considering the current economic challenges in the country. He acknowledged the difficulties associated with distributing such a vital staple but assured that the government had implemented a robust system to ensure transparency and fairness.
To prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution, Kyari explained that buyers would be verified using their NIN and phone numbers, limiting each person to one bag of rice. This measure is intended to prevent fraudulent individuals from accessing multiple bags at the expense of other citizens.
“We urge our dear citizens to cooperate with the relevant agencies of government who will try to serve you to achieve this great initiative of the government,” Kyari said. He added that the release of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice into the market is expected to stabilize rice prices and reduce the cost of other food items.
Dr. Haruna Sule, the Director of Strategic Grains Reserve at the Ministry of Agriculture, outlined the purchasing process. Civil servants can access the grains using their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) number, NIN, or phone number. Payments are to be made electronically, and buyers will receive a code number, which they will present at a designated collection point to receive their rice.
In Abuja, five to six sales points will be set up across the Federal Capital Territory, and the distribution will continue until all the rice is sold.
This subsidized rice sale was first announced in July by the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, but was temporarily halted without explanation. The program has now been reinstated to provide relief to Nigerians struggling with the high cost of food.