Only Nigerians with NIN to benefit as FG begins sale of ₦40,000/bag rice

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during the launch of the initiative, emphasized that the goal is to prevent racketeering and help reduce food prices in Nigerian markets.

Kyari, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, stated that each individual would be limited to purchasing one bag of rice.

He explained that the rice, priced at N40,000 for a 50kg bag, is part of the government’s intervention to provide subsidized rice and help alleviate the current food crisis in Nigeria.

“This intervention is timely, considering the challenges we are facing as a nation,” Kyari remarked. He further praised the administration’s efforts, including the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to vulnerable groups and the 30,000 metric tonnes of rice now available for sale as of September 5, 2024.

The minister attributed the high cost of food to factors such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change, stressing that these issues are global and not unique to Nigeria.

To ensure transparency and fairness in the sale, the government has implemented measures such as limiting each individual to one 50kg bag and requiring verification of beneficiaries through identification systems like NIN and phone numbers, to prevent fraudulent activity.

Kyari called on citizens to cooperate with officials to make the program successful, emphasizing that the administration is committed to securing the right to food for all Nigerians.

He also called for patience, assuring Nigerians that President Tinubu’s efforts to improve food security would soon yield positive results.

Haruna Sule Abutu, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve, outlined the purchase process for the subsidized rice, explaining that individuals must present a NIN, phone number, or public service registration through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

After verification, buyers will receive a code and Treasury receipt, which they can use to collect their rice at designated centers.