The Federal Government of Nigeria is expanding its subsidised rice programme to combat rising food insecurity, with Lagos, Kano, and Borno states next in line for distribution. This follows the initial launch in Abuja earlier in September, where the government began selling rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag—a significant reduction from the market price, which has soared to N90,000 in some regions. The programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to ease the burden of high food prices and ensure that vulnerable Nigerians have access to affordable staples.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, stated that the government has made 30,000 metric tonnes of rice available under the programme, with approximately 1,000 trucks set to deliver the rice to key states. The initiative aims to assist low-income households struggling with the effects of inflation and economic hardship, ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
Despite the positive intentions, operational challenges have surfaced. In Abuja, where the subsidised rice sales are ongoing, officials have reported issues with crowd control and individuals attempting to buy large quantities for resale, undermining the programme’s goal of helping those in need. The government remains committed to expanding the programme and addressing these problems.
Additionally, the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, emphasized that this initiative fits into the government’s larger economic recovery plan, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s reliance on food imports and promoting domestic agricultural production. As inflation continues to rise and the naira weakens, this programme is seen as a critical step toward stabilising food prices and supporting vulnerable communities across the country.
