Tinubu’s government stops sale of N40000 subsidized rice to civil servants

The federal government under President Bola Ahmed has halted the plan to sell subsidized 50-kilogram (kg) bags of rice to public servants priced at N40,000.

This was made known in a fresh circular from the Ministry of Special Duty and Inter-Governmental Affairs obtained by our correspondent on Thursday in Abuja.

The circular, dated August 2, 2024, which was signed by the ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Aderonke Jaiyesimi, did not give any reason for the withdrawal of the initial memo.

It also did not indicate if the scheme was stopped or only suspended.

The circular read, “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of August 1, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the internal circular is hereby withdrawn.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 units for their information and proper guidance.”

Following the announcement by the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, that the federal government is planning to sell 50 kg rice for N40,000, the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Human Resources Management Department asked civil servants to register for the sale of the subsided food item.

In a letter dated August 1, the Ministry said the staff should pay for the purchase of the bag of rice, adding that a staff member is entitled to only one bag.

The memo, signed by Mrs. Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke (Mrs.), Director, Human Resource Management, stated the following:

“As part 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 50 kg  of rice will be sold at subsidized rate 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 of the 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 member 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 or units for information and guidance.”

It Is important to note that the Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, had earlier announced that the sales of the bag of rice will begin with civil servants before being extended to other citizens in the country.