Abuja, Nigeria — As part of a bold effort to alleviate food insecurity, the Nigerian government launched a subsidised rice initiative on September 5, 2024, offering 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a discounted rate of N40,000 per 50kg bag. The launch event, led by Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, marked the beginning of what was intended to be a nationwide food relief effort aimed at combating hunger across the country.
Senator Kyari, addressing attendees in the capital city of Abuja, emphasized the administration’s determination to ensure that “Nigerians do not go to bed hungry.” The initiative, part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader strategy, seeks to cushion citizens from rising food costs, exacerbated by global factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and climate change. “We are all aware that in the recent past, especially after the impact of COVID-19, and due to the Russian-Ukraine war, climate change, and other localised factors, challenges with food prices have made it difficult for Nigerians,” Kyari stated.
To ensure transparency and equitable distribution, the government has implemented a “one person, one bag” rule. Buyers are required to present their National Identification Number (NIN) during purchases, with further verification through phone numbers or, for civil servants, Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) data.
However, despite the government’s intentions, many Nigerians across the nation are voicing frustration over the inability to locate sales points for the subsidised rice. For instance, many residents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) accused the federal government of not giving clear details on where the rice can be purchased, leaving many in confusion. Many online sources verified by The New Daily Prime newspaper reported that residents in areas such as Kuje expressed their concerns, with some being forced to pay as much as N84,000 from independent sellers—more than double the promised price.
Attempts made by The New Daily Prime Newspaper to reach the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for clarification have so far been unsuccessful, leaving residents to wait anxiously for further information. As the public’s frustration grows, many Nigerians are left questioning whether this initiative can truly deliver the promised relief amid the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
While the government has outlined steps to prevent bulk-buying and reselling through strict identification protocols, the immediate priority for citizens remains clear—access to affordable rice and other basic necessities. As one of the administration’s many efforts to mitigate high food costs, the success of this program could be a critical measure of its ability to handle the country’s worsening food crisis
