Tinubu’s gov’t halts plan to sell subsidized rice to civil servants

The Federal Government has suspended its plan to sell 50kg bags of rice at a subsidized price of N40,000 to civil servants.

This decision was communicated in a circular titled “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants,” signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (Human Resources Management Department).

The circular, addressed to Directors and Heads of Departments, indicates a temporary halt to the initiative, which was aimed at providing relief to civil servants amid rising food costs. While the reasons for the suspension were not specified in the circular, it underscores the government’s need to reassess the program’s logistics and impact. Civil servants and stakeholders await further announcements regarding future plans for subsidized food distribution.

“I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of 1st August, 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn.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,” the circular reads.

The previous memo from the Ministry, dated August 1, and signed by Mrs Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke, Director of Human Resource Management, had outlined the procedure for civil servants to purchase the rice.

However, no reason was provided for withdrawal of the plan, which certainly will leave many civil servants who had registered for the subsidised rice in a state of uncertainty.

News360 Nigeria recalls that the initial plan was announced by the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, stating that the government intended to mitigate the effects of the current food crisis by offering 50kg bags of rice at a subsidised rate to civil servants in Abuja.