- The Federal Government has suspended the sale of subsidised 50kg rice bags, initially priced at N40,000 for public servants, without providing a reason.
- Announced on August 1, 2024, the subsidised rice sale aimed to support public servants during national protests and was managed by the Ministry of Special Duties.
- A follow-up memo on August 2, 2024, retracted the rice sale initiative and mentioned that further details would be provided later, directing staff to inform their departments about the withdrawal.
FG Suspends Sale of 50kg Rice Bags at N40,000
The Federal Government has abruptly halted the sale of subsidised 50-kilogram rice bags priced at N40,000 for public servants. The sudden suspension was announced without any explanation.
The initial sale, revealed on August 1, 2024, was intended to ease the impact of national protests that began on the same day.
The Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Human Resources Management Department had rolled out the offer to support public servants amidst the ongoing food crisis.
A memo obtained by THISDAY, dated August 1, 2024, announced the subsidised rice initiative. It instructed interested staff to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website and submit it for approval.
Each staff member was allowed to purchase one bag or share it with colleagues. The distribution was to be managed by designated officials to ensure transparency.
However, a follow-up memo dated August 2, 2024, declared the internal circular on the rice sale withdrawn.
The new communication stated, “Further details will be communicated in due course,” without providing reasons for the suspension.
Staff were advised to inform their respective departments about the withdrawal.
