The Nigerian government has suspended its plan to sell subsidized 50kg bags of rice to civil servants, leaving many who had registered in uncertainty. The circular announcing the withdrawal provided no reason for the decision.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has abruptly suspended its plan to sell subsidized 50kg bags of rice to civil servants at a rate of N40,000 per bag. This decision, which was intended to alleviate the impact of the ongoing food crisis, was conveyed in a circular from the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs.
The circular, titled “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants,” was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry’s Human Resources Management Department. It was addressed to Directors and Heads of Departments across various government agencies.
The initial memo, issued on August 1 and signed by Mrs. Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke, Director of Human Resource Management, outlined the process by which civil servants could register to purchase the subsidized rice. However, the sudden withdrawal of the plan, communicated through the circular, did not provide a reason for the suspension. This has left many civil servants who had already registered for the program in a state of uncertainty and concern.
The plan, first announced by the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, was part of the government’s broader strategy to mitigate the effects of rising food prices in the country. The subsidized rice was seen as a relief measure for public servants, particularly those in Abuja, who are grappling with the high cost of living.
As of now, no further details have been provided regarding the future of the program, and civil servants have been advised to await further communication. The suspension of this initiative has sparked questions and concerns about the government’s ability to follow through on its promises to address the food crisis.
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