The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice at a subsidized rate.
The initiative, launched by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, is aimed at providing much-needed relief to Nigerians, offering 50kg bags of rice at ₦40,000.
At a flag-off ceremony in Abuja, Kyari emphasized that this food intervention is a key part of President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ensure no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. The program, designed with transparency in mind, will see rice distributed nationwide, with buyers required to present their National Identification Number (NIN) and phone numbers for verification to prevent fraudulent activities.
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“This initiative is timely, given the challenges we face as a nation,” Kyari said, noting that the injection of 30,000MT of rice into the market is expected to help stabilize the price of rice and other staple foods. The rice will be distributed through a well-monitored process to ensure that the benefits reach the intended population, including low-income households and civil servants.
To ensure smooth operations, the government has set up multiple sales points across the Federal Capital Territory and other states, with civil servants able to access the grains using their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Payments will be made electronically, and buyers will receive a receipt with a unique code to present at collection points.
How to Purchase:
Dr. Haruna Sule, Director of Strategic Grains Reserve at the Ministry of Agriculture, explained that civil servants can access the subsidized grains using their Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) at designated sales points.
The payment process is fully electronic. Buyers will pay via ATM at the point of sale and receive a treasury receipt containing a unique code, which confirms the transaction. This receipt will specify both the collection point and time, ensuring an orderly process and preventing overcrowding or stampedes.
“Present any of the required credentials—such as your NIN or IPPIS number—to the sales operators, who will log your details on the platform,” Dr. Sule clarified. “Once the payment is made and linked to the sales operator’s system, you will be issued a receipt with a code number.”
At the collection point, buyers will present their receipt code to officials and be given their bag of rice. For Abuja residents, about five to six sales points are being established, and the distribution will continue until the stock is sold out.
This system is designed to streamline the process, prevent fraud, and ensure transparency in the distribution.
