₦40K BAG OF RICE: Nigerians Express Frustration Over Access To Subsidized Rice
Many Nigerians are voicing their frustration over the inability to find designated sales points for the ₦40,000 per 50kg bag of rice recently introduced by the Federal Government.
Last week, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, launched the distribution of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice at a subsidized rate of ₦40,000 per bag in Abuja.
This effort aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to ensure “Nigerians do not go to bed hungry.”
The rice, however, is reportedly only available to those who possess a valid National Identity Number.
Despite the initiative, Abuja residents say they have yet to see any rice at the promised price.
Benedicta Okoro, a civil servant from Kubwa, expressed her disappointment, stating, “I couldn’t find any location selling the ₦40,000 rice in Abuja. I had to purchase local rice for ₦84,000 per 50kg bag at the Dutse Market.”
Another resident, Amina Aliyu, called for transparency from the government, adding, “How can a launch be announced, but no one has access to the rice? This isn’t the first time this has happened.”
Inquiries to the Ministry’s Director of Communications, Joel Oruche, have not yet been answered.
This issue coincides with the rising cost of living, exacerbated by recent fuel price hikes, with inflation reaching 33.40% as of July 2024.
Financial analyst Kalu Aja commented that President Tinubu’s administration has failed to match policy initiatives with effective action.