The federal government is set to commence the sale of its subsidized rice at ₦40,000 per 50kg in some other states of the federation.
The states set to be the next beneficiaries of the federal government food subsidy initiative are Lagos, Kano and Borno States.
This was made known by a director at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, who spoke to Punch on Monday on the condition of anonymity.
It would be recalled that the government, in September, announced the commencement of the sale of rice to Nigerians at the subsidized rate of ₦40,000 per 50kg.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, officially launched the sale and distribution of the subsidized rice in Abuja.
However, a Director in the Ministry said the government is now set to extend the programme beyond Abuja as part of a broader strategy to ensure that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry.
“As I speak with you now, we are going to activate Lagos and Kano states for the sales any moment from now. Borno State is also going to be addressed,” the agriculture ministry official said.
The official also debunked claims that the sale of the subsidized rice has been suspended in Abuja.
“We have not even gone anywhere; how can we stop? The sales are ongoing, and we are actively engaging with other states,” he said.
Another official at the ministry said civil servants in Abuja, particularly around the federal ministries have been benefiting from the sales of the subsidised rice.
