The federal government will begin the sale of subsidised rice to the general public today (Monday), according to an official of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
The move is part of efforts to mitigate the soaring price of the staple, which has increased to as high as N90,000 per 50kg bag in some states.
This follows the distribution of the subsidised commodity to civil and public servants in recent weeks.
“We started with civil and public servants because they have the necessary credentials,” the official who preferred to remain anonymous said
“Before purchasing, you must present your identity card and National Identification Number. Sales points were set up at the Head of Service office, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission.
“Now that many civil servants have benefited, we are moving to the general public.”