Nigeria’s Subsidised Rice Sale Begins Amid Soaring Prices

The Nigerian government will begin the sale of subsidised rice to the general public today, according to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The initiative is part of efforts to address the surging price of rice, which has escalated to as much as N90,000 for a 50kg bag in some regions.

This development follows weeks of distributing the subsidisedstaple to civil and public servants, amid widespread frustration over the growing cost of food across the country. Despite government assurances to sell rice at N40,000 per 50kg bag, many citizens have complained they have yet to benefit from the intervention.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, addressed the nation during the launch of the rice distribution programme in August, acknowledging the myriad global and domestic factors contributing to Nigeria’s food crisis. “We are all aware of the factors driving food prices,” Kyariremarked, referencing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and local economic challenges exacerbating the situation.

The government’s plan to release 30,000 metric tonnes of subsidised rice is intended to alleviate the pressure on consumers. However, reports from various states indicate that the reality on the ground paints a different picture, with prices still significantly above the promised subsidy level. In Kaduna, for instance, a civil servant, La’ah Dauda, expressed frustration: “There’s no news of rice being sold at N40,000 per bag here. Rice is sold at about N80,000 in the southern parts of Kaduna.”

A senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that the initial phase of the rice sales targeted civil and public servants due to their verifiable credentials. “Before purchasing, you must present your identity card and National Identification Number,” the official told The Guardian, explaining that sales points were set up in key government offices. “Now that many civil servants have benefited, we are moving to the general public,” the source added.

In contrast, across Nigeria, food prices remain volatile. In Bayelsa State, a local farmer described the dire situation, noting that rice prices had soared to between N95,000 and N110,000 per bag. Meanwhile, in Lagos, similar complaints emerged, with rice now retailing for up to N95,000 per bag.

The escalating cost of rice has compounded Nigeria’s food inflation crisis, which reached a staggering 40.87% in June 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Other staple foods like millet, garri, and palm oil have also seen steep price hikes, leaving many Nigerians struggling to cope.

Dr. Unekwu Onuche, an associate professor at the University of Africa in Bayelsa, criticised the government’s palliative measures as short-term solutions. “Palliatives are like first aid,” he said, “they offer temporary relief, but the pain remains until something concrete is done.”

As the public braces for the government’s subsidised rice programme, there is growing scepticism over whether the promised N40,000 price will materialise, and if the effort will provide any lasting relief amid the country’s deepening food insecurity.