The Federal Government of Nigeria is broadening its subsidized rice programme to address rising food insecurity across the country.
The initiative, which aims to offer affordable rice to citizens, will soon be available in Lagos, Kano, and Borno states, according to an official from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
This expansion follows the earlier introduction of subsidized rice sales in Abuja, announced by Minister Abubakar Kyari, who revealed that the government is committed to ensuring that no citizen faces hunger.
The subsidized price is set at N40,000 for a 50kg bag, lower than the market price, which can reach N90,000 or even N100,000 in some areas.
The government plans to distribute 30,000 metric tonnes of rice, equivalent to approximately 1,000 trucks, each loaded with 600 bags. An agriculture ministry source revealed that sales would soon commence in Lagos and Kano, with plans to include Borno shortly.
“As I speak with you now, we are going to activate Lagos and Kano states for the sales any moment from now. Borno State is also going to be addressed,” the agriculture ministry official stated on Monday.
Reacting to the claim that the rice sales in the Federal Capital Territory had been halted, the official said, “We have not even gone anywhere; how can we stop? The sales are ongoing, and we are actively engaging with other states.”
