The Federal Government of Nigeria has suspended its plan to sell subsidized 50kg bags of rice to civil servants at the price of ₦40,000. This decision was communicated in a circular titled “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants,” issued 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, stated:
“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Affairs) of 1st August, 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn.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 original plan, announced on August 1, had laid out the process for civil servants to purchase the rice. The initiative was aimed at mitigating the effects of the current food crisis by providing rice at a subsidized rate to civil servants in Abuja.
However, the government did not provide a reason for the sudden withdrawal of the plan, leaving many civil servants who had registered for the subsidized rice uncertain about the next steps. The initial announcement had been made by the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, who emphasized the government’s intention to support citizens during the ongoing food crisis.
