The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has explained why the Federal Government has not disclosed the centres for selling rice at subsidized prices.
Despite the availability of the rice, concerns over potential hijacking and hoarding by wealthy individuals have led to a strategic delay in announcing the sale locations.
Addressing journalists at the Radio House in Abuja on Wednesday, Idris highlighted the government’s cautious approach. He emphasized that while 50kg bags of rice priced at N40,000 are ready for distribution, revealing the exact sale points could undermine the initiative.
“Care is being taken so that it would not be hijacked by people who have money,” he said. “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.”
The minister’s remarks followed an earlier announcement on Monday, where it was stated that the Federal Government had established centres nationwide for the rice sales. This initiative is part of several measures by President Tinubu’s administration to alleviate living conditions for Nigerians.
However, Idris noted that the rice distribution process is still ongoing, with careful planning to ensure equitable access. “It’s in the process of distribution to the various states,” he explained. “Sometimes, it is difficult to mention the routes and the time for security reasons. But the rice is already available, it is going to be sold at N40,000.”
In addition to the rice distribution, Idris outlined other government efforts aimed at improving the lives of citizens.
He mentioned the recently signed National Education Loan Fund, intended to assist two million students, with 120,000 applications already received. He also referred to the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund, which has allocated N110 billion to support youth ventures over the next two years.
