The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the establishment of centers across the country where 50kg bags of rice are being sold for N40,000 each.
This initiative, aimed at mitigating the high cost of living, was revealed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a briefing on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Minister Idris stated that this is part of several measures implemented by the Tinubu administration to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerians. He emphasized that the planned nationwide protest against the high cost of living is unnecessary as the government is already addressing the concerns raised by the protesters.
“The position of the FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the federal government and therefore it is the view of the government that there is really no need for the protests again,” said Idris. “Because most of those things that the protesters are putting forward are already actually being addressed or are being addressed by government. And like we have said repeatedly, this is a listening government.”
He highlighted some of the measures taken by the government, including affordable rice distribution, student loans, employment initiatives, and the transition to compressed natural gas (CNG).
Regarding rice distribution, Idris noted that “a 50kg bag of rice is being sold at N40,000” and that centers have been set up across all states, with each state initially receiving about 10 trucks of rice. This is aimed at ensuring food availability and affordability for the poorest and those in need.
On student loans, he stated, “Loans are available for over 2 million students, and over 110,000 applications have been received so far.” He emphasized the government’s objective that “no student should miss education due to financial constraints.”
He also spoke about employment initiatives, targeting the employment of about 3 million youth through the MTT program, and the transition to CNG, which is expected to reduce transportation costs by 60%.
Minister Idris urged protesters to reconsider their planned actions, emphasizing the risk of protests being hijacked and turning violent. He reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of Nigerians through constructive and immediate interventions.
“The President has listened to the voices of all those who are planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it. Indeed, the President is already protesting on their behalf by doing those things that they want a government to do,” Idris added.
