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Federal Government Ties Subsidized Rice Sale to NIN for Transparency

The Federal Government has announced that only individuals with National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be eligible to purchase the 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice being sold at a subsidized rate of ₦40,000 per 50kg bag.

During the flag-off ceremony on September 5, 2024, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, emphasized that the rice will be sold on a strict “one person, one bag” basis to ensure fair distribution.

Kyari highlighted that the subsidized rice initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to alleviate the current food crisis and economic hardship in the country. The ₦40,000 price per 50kg bag is intended to help reduce the burden on citizens struggling with the high cost of food commodities.

“This food intervention can be said to be timely considering the times and challenges we are in as citizens of this great nation,” Kyari said.

He also noted that the distribution of the rice will be closely monitored through a government task force to ensure transparency. Buyers will be verified using their NIN, phone numbers, or for civil servants, through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). This process is designed to prevent individuals from fraudulently acquiring more than one bag of rice.

Kyari urged citizens to cooperate with government agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the program, which aims to not only provide affordable rice but also lower the prices of other food commodities through increased supply.

Haruna Sule, Director of the Strategic Grains Reserve at the Ministry of Agriculture, explained the distribution process further. Civil servants will be able to access the rice using their IPPIS details, while other citizens must provide their NIN. Once the NIN is verified, a code and Treasury receipt will be generated for the buyer, allowing them to collect their rice at designated centers. The separation of sales and collection points is designed to prevent overcrowding and ensure an orderly process.

This initiative follows a similar announcement made in July, as part of the government’s continued efforts to address the rising cost of food in Nigeria.

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