Nigerian Government Suspends Plan to Sell Subsidized Rice to Civil Servants in the Midst of a Growing Food Crisis.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has suddenly shelved the plan to sell 50kg bags of rice to civil servants at a subsidized rate, which it had initiated in order to cushion the effect of the food crisis. This decision, according to an internal circular, threw many civil servants into confusion, particularly those who had registered for the program.
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This was contained in a circular entitled “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidised Rice to Public Servants”, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs. The said circular, which was addressed to all Directors and Heads of Departments, had directed that “you are please requested to bring the contents of this circular to the notice of your staff.”.
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“I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry, that is, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, of 1st August, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn,” the notice read. Government would also explain details later but did not immediately provide reasons for the suspension.
This followed an earlier memo dated August 1, signed by Mrs. Jaiyesimi Abimbola Aderonke, a Director of Human Resource Management, outlining the guideline for civil servants to purchase the subsidized rice. The Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, had announced the plan as a way to cushion the biting effect of food crisis on many Nigerians by selling rice at a subsidized N40,000 for a 50kg bag to civil servants in Abuja.
This sudden stoppage of the plan has caused much concern among the civil servants, many of whom were relying on this program to help pay for food at a rising cost. No explanation for this suspension has been given, which has increased frustration and uncertainty.
The pause that this program has taken into the situation underscores the challenges the government faces in ensuring basic needs are met for its subjects at a time when food insecurity still grips the nation. Many are now wondering what other step the government will take next in providing relief at this critical moment as this plan goes into abeyance.
