PROTEST: Nigerian government announces subsidized rice to be sold at N40,000

The federal government has announced the sale of 50kg of rice at a subsidized price of N40,000, a 50% discount from the market price.

This was done in an effort to address growing concerns over food affordability and defuse planned protests.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this information during a press conference at the presidential villa on Monday.

According to Idris, 20 trucks of rice have been distributed to each state, with designated centers selling the rice at subsidized prices.

However, the minister failed to provide specific locations where the rice was sold, raising concerns about accessibility and transparency.

Idris framed the government’s move as a response to the protesters’ demands, saying that President Bola Tinubu “has already protested on their behalf” by discussing food availability and affordability.

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He said, “The president has listened to all parties who planned this protest. And the message is, this protest is not necessary,” he said.

“Indeed, the president has protested on their behalf by doing the things they want from the government. For example, the efforts made by the government to ensure food availability.

“At the last council meeting here, during the briefing, we announced that a number of trucks, 20 trucks to be exact, have been given to the state governors to be distributed to those who really need it, to the poorest in the society and those who really need it. Food is provided.

“But the government did not stop there, there is also rice that is being sold at around 50 percent of its basic price — a sack of rice is being sold as we speak now.

“This rice has been taken to various centers across the states of the federation and sold for N40,000. Centers have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice for N40,000.

“Initially, about 10 trucks have been provided to each state and this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you have heard are that it will never be enough.

“The government is not pretending that these supplies are sufficient. However, this is a necessary first step, and more such interventions are underway in the meantime.”

The federal government’s decision to sell subsidized rice comes amid growing discontent over economic conditions, with protests planned for August 1. By announcing the move, the government is seeking to demonstrate its commitment to addressing citizens’ concerns.

However, the lack of transparency about where the sale is taking place and the limited amount of rice available could undermine the initiative’s effectiveness. Critics might argue that the move is merely a gesture, not enough to address the scale of the problem.

PROTEST: Nigerian govt announces subsidized rice sold for N40,000 first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.