The Federal Government has announced that only public servants with properly registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be eligible to purchase from the newly launched sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice.
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari made the announcement during the rice sale flag-off in Abuja on Thursday, September 5. Kyari stated that this measure aims to prevent racketeering and is part of the government’s strategy to reduce food prices in Nigerian markets.
Represented by President Bola Tinubu, Kyari outlined that the rice will be sold at a flat rate of ₦40,000 per 50kg bag, with the policy of “one person, one bag” enforced. This initiative is a federal intervention designed to address the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria.
“This intervention comes at a crucial time, given the current challenges faced by our nation,” Kyari said. “It is one of many efforts by the current administration to alleviate the impact of high food prices, including the release of 42,000MT of assorted food commodities to vulnerable populations and the current sale of 30,000MT of milled rice.”
Kyari attributed the high food prices to factors such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change. He urged understanding that these issues are not unique to Nigeria but are affecting global food security.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the government has implemented several measures, including the use of NIN and phone numbers for verification to prevent fraud and multiple claims. “This includes a strict one-bag policy per person, and verification of beneficiaries using relevant identification methods,” Kyari added.
Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with authorities to make this initiative successful. “By injecting 30,000MT of rice into the market, we aim to not only lower rice prices but also reduce the cost of other food substitutes,” Kyari concluded.
Haruna Sule Abutu, Director of Food and Strategic Reserve at the Ministry, detailed the purchasing procedure: “To qualify for the one-bag allocation, you must have an NIN, phone number, or be registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS). At the point of sale, your NIN will generate a code and Treasury receipt, which will be used to collect your rice from designated centers, ensuring orderly distribution and avoiding stampedes.”
