FG suspends sale of N40,000 subsidised rice to civil servants

The Federal Government on Thursday abruptly halted the sale of subsidised rice to civil servants, retracting a recent directive that allowed them to purchase rice at a subsidised rate.

The withdrawal was communicated in a new circular from the Ministry of Special Duty and Inter-Governmental Affairs, dated August 2, 2024.

The circular did not provide reasons for the withdrawal nor specify whether the scheme is permanently canceled or just temporarily suspended.

It reads: “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Affairs) of August 1, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the internal circular is hereby withdrawn.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.”

The initial initiative, announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, was part of the Tinubu administration’s efforts to alleviate living conditions by offering 50 kg bags of rice for N40,000.

The ministry had previously outlined that staff interested in the subsidised rice should complete a registration form on the OHCSF website.

The cancellation comes amidst ongoing protests over worsening food shortages and economic conditions in the country. The Federal Government has yet to provide additional details or alternatives to address the issues raised by the initial scheme’s withdrawal.