Nigeria’s government has abruptly discontinued the sale of subsidised 50kg bags of rice to public personnel, which were previously priced at N40,000. The federal government has discontinued the sale of subsidised 50 kilogramme sacks of rice for N40,000 to public personnel.
There was no explanation given for the abrupt change of action.
The sale of subsidised rice was announced on August 1, 2024, by the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Human Resources Management Department.
The statement was intended to warn of the consequences of the national protests, which began on August 1, 2024.
However, no reasons were given for the cessation of the sale of the N40,000 for a 50 kilogramme bag of rice.
A obtained by THISDAY, was titled: “RE: SALE OF SUBSIDISED RICE TO PUBLIC SERVANTS.
“As port of federal government’s efforts to alleviate the current food crisis in the country and its effects on the general population, I am directed to inform you that 50kg bags of rice will be sold et © subsidised rote of Thousands Naira (N40,000) only per bag to interested public servants in Abuja.
”For effective implementation, all interested staff are required to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website. https//www.ohesf.gov.ng. print and submit some to Director HR for endorsement payment and distribution of the rice will be coordinated by designated officials while the chairman, Joint Union Council of the Ministry is required to serve as an observer during the period of the exercise for the purpose of transparency.
”I am to further add that each staff is only entitled to purchase one bag. Two or more staff may also jointly pay for a bag for sharing among themselves.
“Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of staff in your respective Departments/Units for information and guidance,” the memo signed by Mrs. Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke (Mrs.) Director, Human Resource Management, stated.
However, in another memo, dated August 2 2024, government stated: “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of lst August. 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn.
“Further details will be communicated in due course. Please, bring the contents of this internal circular to the attention of staff in your respective Departments and Unite for their information and proper guidance,” Jaiyesim announced.