As hunger becomes a pressing issue in Nigeria, the Federal Government has made available the necessary documents for citizens to purchase a 50kg bag of milled rice at a subsidized price of N40,000.
To acquire the rice, individuals must provide several documents, including their National Identification Number (NIN), an ID card, and an ATM card for registration and payment.
Once these steps are completed, beneficiaries must undergo a separate verification process by government officials before they can receive their rice.
In Abuja, those seeking rice should visit the Nigeria Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) with the required documents.
After completing the documentation and payment, recipients will head to the Central Business Area next to the First Bank Branch by NNPC Towers to collect their 50kg bag of milled rice.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, acknowledged the challenges involved in distributing such a vital staple during this tough time.
He noted, “The Federal Government recognizes the potential difficulties related to the sale of an essential staple like rice and has implemented a multi-faceted government approach to ensure transparency, broader reach, and the success of this initiative.”
Kyari highlighted measures to prevent fraud, including limiting each person to one bag of rice and verifying beneficiaries through identification methods such as the NIN and phone numbers.
He expressed confidence that adding 30,000 metric tons (1,000 trucks of 30 metric tons each) of rice to Nigeria’s food supply will help lower rice prices and benefit related food items.
The rice will be distributed nationwide to ensure equitable access, but beneficiaries must possess the required documents before making a purchase.