The Federal Government is extending its subsidized rice program to address food insecurity in Nigeria, with sales soon to begin in Lagos, Kano, and Borno states, according to an official from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
In early September, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, announced the launch of the program, selling rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag in Abuja. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to combat hunger, ensuring Nigerians can access affordable rice despite rising market prices. Currently, a 50kg bag of rice sells for about N90,000, reaching nearly N100,000 in some areas.
The government plans to distribute 30,000 metric tonnes of rice, equivalent to roughly 1,000 trucks, with each truck carrying 600 bags of rice.
“We are preparing to activate the sales in Lagos and Kano states shortly. Borno State is also included,” a ministry official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed on Monday.
There have been concerns about the suspension of rice sales in Abuja, but the official clarified that the sales are still ongoing. “We are actively working to bring the program to more states. The reports of stopping sales are unfounded.”
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Another ministry official shared that civil servants in Abuja, particularly around federal ministries, have been benefiting from the subsidized rice. However, there have been challenges with organizing the sales, especially at the National Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) center in Abuja, where the rice is being sold.
The official explained that public cooperation has been difficult, with people blocking entry and refusing to follow the sales process. “Some individuals are trying to sabotage the program by buying rice in bulk to resell it in the market, which defeats the purpose of the subsidy,” the official said.
Despite these issues, the government remains optimistic about the program’s success. “We are focused on making sure low-income earners, who need this subsidy the most, can access the rice,” the official added.
The program’s expansion is part of the government’s broader efforts to tackle food scarcity and support vulnerable communities across Nigeria. This move aims to ensure that essential food items remain affordable for all Nigerians.
Food prices have been rising sharply, putting immense pressure on Nigerians. The National Bureau of Statistics reported that the food inflation rate in August 2024 was 37.52% year-on-year, up from 29.34% in August 2023. The declining value of the naira has further worsened the situation, with the exchange rate reaching N1540.78/$ on September 27, 2024, and over N1700/$ in some black markets in Abuja.
At a press conference to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, Finance Minister Wale Edun emphasized the need to end Nigeria’s reliance on food imports as part of the country’s economic recovery plan. “We must focus on self-sufficiency and avoid disrupting domestic food production,” he stated, warning against flooding the market with imported goods.
