ABUJA, Nigeria – The Bola Tinubu-led Government has abruptly withdrawn its recently announced sale of subsidised 50-kilogramme bags of rice for N40,000 to public servants.
No reason was provided for the sudden reversal of this policy which was communicated on Thursday, August 8, 2024.
The original announcement, made on August 1 by the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Human Resources Management Department, was intended to mitigate the impact of ongoing national protests that commenced on the same day.
The memo, released to the press, and titled “Re: Sale of Subsidised Rice to Public Servants,” outlined the government’s plan to alleviate the current food crisis. It stated:
“As part of the federal government’s efforts to alleviate the current food crisis in the country and its effects on the general population, I am directed to inform you that 50kg bags of rice will be sold at a subsidised rate of Forty Thousand Naira (N40,000) only per bag to interested public servants in Abuja,” the minister wrote.
“For effective implementation, all interested staff are required to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website. https//www.ohesf.gov.ng, print and submit same to Director HR for endorsement.
“Payment and distribution of the rice will be coordinated by designated officials while the chairman, Joint Union Council of the Ministry is required to serve as an observer during the period of the exercise for the purpose of transparency,” the memo continued.
The memo also noted that each staff member was entitled to purchase only one bag of rice, with the option for multiple staff members to jointly purchase a bag for sharing.
However, in a follow-up memo dated August 2, 2024, the government announced the withdrawal of the circular. The brief memo stated:
“I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of 1st August, 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn.”
It added, “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,” signed by Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke, Director, Human Resource Management.
The sudden change in policy has left public servants and the general population without answers, as the government has yet to provide any explanation or further details regarding the withdrawal of the subsidized rice sale.
