FG Expands Subsidised Rice Distribution To Additional States

The Federal Government of Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to combat food insecurity by expanding its subsidised rice programme to key states, including Lagos, Kano, and Borno. This was disclosed by an official at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security on Monday. The initiative, launched earlier in September in Abuja by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, is part of a larger strategy to alleviate hunger across the country by providing affordable rice to citizens.

The subsidised rice programme offers a 50kg bag of rice at a significantly reduced price of N40,000, compared to the soaring market price, which currently ranges between N90,000 and N100,000 per bag. This subsidy aims to ease the financial burden on Nigerians, many of whom are struggling with rising food prices.

The government is making available 30,000 metric tonnes of rice, which amounts to approximately 1,000 trucks, each carrying 600 bags. According to the official, sales will soon commence in Lagos, Kano, and Borno states, following the ongoing distribution in Abuja. Civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory have already benefited from the initiative, though logistical challenges at the National Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) centre, such as poor public cooperation and attempts to disrupt the process, have been reported.

Despite these setbacks, the government remains focused on ensuring that low-income earners can access the subsidised rice. Officials believe that the expansion to more states will further support vulnerable populations, ensuring that essential staples remain affordable amidst rising inflation and a weakening naira. In August 2024, Nigeria’s food inflation rate rose to 37.52% year-on-year, reflecting the economic strain many Nigerians face.

The government is also pushing for a reduction in food imports as part of its broader economic recovery plan. Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, emphasised the need for Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in food production, declaring that the days of relying heavily on food imports must end. This shift towards domestic production is seen as essential for stabilising the economy and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign food supplies.