The Federal Government’s initiative to sell 50kg bags of rice for N40,000 remains shrouded in secrecy regarding the sale centres’ locations, according to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
During a press briefing at the Radio House in Abuja on Wednesday, Idris addressed the issue, stating that the government has intentionally withheld this information to prevent the rice from being hijacked and hoarded by affluent individuals.
Security Concerns and Distribution
Idris assured that the bags of rice are available and are currently being distributed to various states. However, he emphasised that announcing the exact locations and distribution routes poses significant security risks.
“It’s in the process of distribution to the various states. Sometimes, it is difficult to mention the routes and the time for security reasons,” Idris explained.
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He stressed that the primary concern is ensuring that the rice reaches those in need without interference from wealthier individuals who might hoard the supply.
“Care is being taken so that it would not be hijacked by people who have money. If we put it out there, they would go there and hoard it; those for whom this rice is intended will not now get the rice,” he said.
Government Initiatives to Ease Living Conditions
This rice sale initiative is part of several measures by the Tinubu administration aimed at alleviating the living conditions of Nigerian citizens.
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Earlier in the week, Idris announced that the Federal Government had established centres nationwide where Nigerians could purchase these rice bags.
In addition to the rice distribution, Idris highlighted other government efforts, including the recently signed National Education Loan Fund, aimed at benefiting two million students, with 120,000 applications already received.
He also mentioned the FG’s N110 billion Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, set to run for the next two years, as part of broader efforts to support the youth and improve living standards.
