The Nigerian government pauses its plan to sell 50kg bags of rice to civil servants as hunger issues escalate.
The plan to sell subsidized 50kg bags of rice at the price of N40,000 to civil servants has been paused by the Federal Government.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (Human Resources Management Department) issued a circular titled ‘Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants’, which informed that the decision was made known to the leadership.
The memo was directed towards Directors and Department Heads.
“I have been instructed to draw your attention to our previous internal circular dated 1st August, 2024 pertaining to the subject matter mentioned above. Please be advised that this particular communication is now cancelled.”
The circular reads, “Additional information will be provided at a later time. Kindly inform the employees in your respective Departments and Units about this internal memo for their awareness and appropriate direction.”
On August 1, the Ministry issued a memo signed by Mrs. Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke, Director of Human Resource Management. The communication had explained how civil servants could buy rice following specific guidelines stated within it.
The plan’s withdrawal was not accompanied by any explanation, causing considerable uncertainty among civil servants who had enrolled for the subsidized rice program.
According to Obasanjonews.com, the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed had initially announced a plan for providing relief during the ongoing food crisis. The government intended on offering 50kg bags of rice at subsidized rates in Abuja specifically meant for civil servants as a measure to mitigate its effects.
