In a bid to alleviate the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced plans to sell a 50kg bag of rice at a subsidised rate of N40,000 to public servants.
The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of rising food prices on Nigerians.
According to a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, signed by the Director of Human Resources, Jaiyesimi Abimbola, the scheme is targeted at public servants in Abuja. The letter outlines the process for interested staff members to participate in the program.
“All interested staff are required to complete a Google form available on the OHCSF website, https://www.ohcsf.gov.ng, print it, and submit it to the Director of Human Resources for endorsement,” the letter stated.
The distribution and payment for the rice will be managed by designated officials to ensure transparency. The chairman of the Joint Union Council of the ministry will serve as an observer during the exercise. “Each staff is only entitled to purchase one bag. Two or more staff may also jointly pay for a bag for sharing among themselves,” the letter added.
This move follows the recent announcement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who highlighted the government’s efforts to establish centers across the country where Nigerians can purchase 50kg bags of rice for N40,000.
Public servants were encouraged to bring the contents of the circular to the attention of their colleagues for information dissemination and guidance.