FG halts sales of subsidised rice to civil servants

The proposed sale of rice to governmental officials at a reduced price has been halted by the federal government. As a result, it has withdrawn the circular encouraging civil servants who are interested in receiving rice subsidies to apply. 

This was disclosed in a recent circular that our correspondent in Abuja received on Thursday from the Ministry of Special Duty and Inter-Governmental Affairs. 

Aderonke Jaiyesimi, the ministry's director of human resources, signed the August 2, 2024, circular, which lacked a justification for the first memo's withdrawal. Furthermore, it was unclear if the plan was abandoned or just put on hold.

The circular read, “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of August 1, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the internal circular is hereby withdrawn.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 ministry had earlier instructed all interested employees to fill out a Google form found on the OHCSF website and send it to the HR director for approval. 

It stated that specified offices would handle the payment and distribution of the rice, and that the head of the ministry's Joint Union Council would watch the activity from a transparent position. 

Nigerians can now buy 50 kg sacks of rice for N40,000 at locations the Federal Government announced it has established around the nation. 

The project is one of several the Tinubu administration has launched to improve living circumstances for Nigerians, according to Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammad Idris.

Source