The Nigerian Government has announced that only citizens with a National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to purchase 50kg bags of milled rice at a subsidized rate of ₦40,000. This directive, issued by President Bola Tinubu and communicated through the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, was revealed during the flag-off ceremony on Thursday.
The rice, available under a strict “one person, one bag” policy, is part of the Federal Government’s broader initiative to mitigate the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria. Each 50kg bag will be sold at a flat rate of ₦40,000, aiming to provide relief to Nigerians struggling with rising food costs.
“This food intervention is both timely and crucial, given the current challenges faced by citizens across our nation,” Kyari stated. He highlighted that this measure is one of several efforts by the current administration to ease the burden of high food prices. Kyari also referenced the recent release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to vulnerable populations and the 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice now available for sale.
To ensure transparency and fair distribution, Kyari mentioned that a multi-disciplinary government task force has been deployed to oversee the initiative, verifying buyers through their NIN to maintain the integrity and success of the program.
