By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian government suspended the sale of subsidised 50-kilogramme bags of rice for N40,000 to public servants, a day after the programme was initiated.
Business Post gathered that no reason was given for the sudden change in the move that was carried out to alleviate the surging cost of feeding in the country and to deter the planned national protests, which commenced on August 1.
The sale of the subsidised rice was announced through the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Human Resources Management Department.
According to a notice tagged Re: Sale of Subsidised Rice to Public Servants, public servants were promised the availability of the food staple upon payment of N40,000.
“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 N40,000 only per bag to interested public servants in Abuja.
”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 some 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.
”I am to further add that each staff [member] is only entitled to purchase one bag. Two or more staff may also jointly pay for a bag for sharing among themselves.
“Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of staff in your respective Departments/Units for information and guidance,” the memo was signed by the Director for Human Resource Management, Mrs Jaiyesimi Abimbola Aderonke.
However, in another memo, dated August 2 2024, the government stated: “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of August 1, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn.
“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 Unite for their information and proper guidance,” the updated notice announced.
