The Federal Government has canceled its plan to sell 50-kilogram bags of rice to civil servants for N40,000.
This decision was announced in a circular titled “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants,” signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
The circular, sent to Directors and Heads of Departments, stated: “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of 1st August, 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn. Further details will be communicated in due course. Please bring the contents of this internal circular to the attention of staff in your respective Departments and Units for their information and proper guidance.”
The reason for the cancellation was not provided, leaving many civil servants who had registered for the subsidized rice uncertain.
The initial plan was announced by Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, who said the government aimed to ease the effects of the current food crisis by offering the rice at a reduced price.
A previous memo from the Ministry, dated August 1 and signed by Mrs. Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke, Director of Human Resource Management, explained the procedure for purchasing the rice. The memo stated: “As part of federal government’s efforts to alleviate the current food crisis in the country and its effects on the general population, I am directed to inform you that 50kg bags of rice will be sold at subsidized rate of Thousands Naira (N40,000) only per bag to interested public servants in Abuja.”
It also explained that staff needed to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website and submit it to the Director of HR for endorsement. The memo added: “Payment and distribution of the rice will be coordinated by designated officials while the chairman, Joint Union Council of the Ministry is required to serve as an observer during the period of the exercise for the purpose of transparency.”
This initiative was part of the government’s efforts to combat rising food inflation, which was 40.87% year-on-year as of June 2024. Despite other measures like releasing grains from reserves and donating fertilizers to farmers, food prices have continued to rise. The cancellation of the rice subsidy adds further challenges to the government’s attempts to stabilize food prices and provide relief to citizens.
