Nigerians Frustrated Over Elusive N40,000 Rice Bags Amid Rising Inflation

Nigerians are expressing frustration over the Federal Government’s launch of a subsidized bag of rice priced at N40,000 per 50 kg, with many unable to locate any visible sales points.

Last Thursday, the government, through the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, launched 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Kyari noted that the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu's commitment to ensuring that "Nigerians do not go to bed hungry." He also emphasized that only those with a National Identity Number would be eligible to purchase the rice at the subsidized price.

However, Abuja residents have voiced concerns about the unavailability of the subsidized rice. Benedicta Okoro, a public servant from Kubwa, said, “I wonder why Nigerians can’t see where to buy the N40,000 per bag of rice in Abuja. I had to go to the Dutse Market to buy a 50 kg bag of local rice for N84,000.”

Similarly, Amina Aliyu, another Abuja resident, called on the government to provide clarity on the rice allocation. “How can you launch N40,000 per bag of rice and nobody has seen or bought it? The government should come clean. The last time it was said to have been launched, but the people did not see it before it was suspended,” she said.

As of the time this article was filed, the Ministry's Director of Communications, Joel Oruche, had not responded to inquiries regarding the issue.

This development comes amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, exacerbated by a recent hike in petrol prices. With the inflation rate standing at 33.40% as of July 2024, many Nigerians fear that the cost of goods and services will continue to soar.