Federal Government of Nigeria Begins Sale of Rice to Public Servants in Abuja

In a move aimed at alleviating economic hardships, the Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the sale of bags of rice to public servants in Abuja at a price of N40,000 per bag. This announcement 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 mitigate 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.

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.

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.