FG Commences Sale of 50kg Rice at N40,000 Amid Planned Protest

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the sale of 50kg bags of rice at N40,000 each, as announced on Monday. This move comes amidst a backdrop of economic strain and a planned national protest scheduled for August 1. The government has distributed an additional 10 trucks of rice to each state, aiming to alleviate the burden of rising food prices.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) briefing that the rice distribution is part of the government’s efforts to combat poverty and the high cost of living. He emphasized that most of the demands of the planned protest are already being addressed by the government.

Additional 10 trucks of rice distributed to each state as government addresses economic concerns

President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the protest, asserted that he is addressing the youth’s grievances on their behalf. The FEC insists that there is no need for the protest, arguing that the government’s actions are already in line with the demands being made.

The sale of the 50kg bags of rice at N40,000 each is part of a broader initiative to provide affordable food options to the public. This price is approximately 50% of the cost of the rice, making it a more accessible option for many households.

In addition to the rice distribution, the government is also working on reducing transportation costs through its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative. Commercial buses are being prioritized in this initiative, which is expected to significantly lower transportation expenses.

The government has appealed to those planning the protest to reconsider, warning that protests could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements and turn violent, which would be detrimental to Nigeria. The Minister of Information and National Orientation emphasized that while the right to peaceful protest is respected, the government urges caution and patience as efforts are being made to meet the needs of Nigerians in various sectors.

The situation is being closely monitored by the government, which remains committed to addressing the concerns of the public and ensuring that the planned protest does not escalate into violence. The government’s actions are aimed at fostering a peaceful resolution to the economic challenges facing the nation.