The Federal Government has announced that only public servants with valid National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be permitted to buy a 50kg bag of rice at the subsidized rate of N40,000. This measure aims to prevent racketeering and ensure fair distribution.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during the launch of the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice. Kyari emphasized that each individual is limited to purchasing only one bag, as part of a broader effort to reduce food prices in Nigerian markets.

Kyari described the intervention as a critical response to the current food crisis, noting that the flat rate of N40,000 for a 50kg bag is intended to ease the impact of rising food costs. He highlighted this initiative as part of the government's strategy to address the high cost of food commodities.

The minister praised the administration's efforts, including the recent release of 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to vulnerable populations. He acknowledged the various challenges contributing to food price inflation, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change.