By Ademola tijani
The federal government has abruptly halted the sale of subsidized 50-kilogram bags of rice for N40,000 to public servants, without providing any explanation for the sudden decision.
The sale was initially announced on August 1, 2024, by the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Human Resources Management Department, as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of national protests that began on the same day. The subsidized rice was intended to alleviate the current food crisis affecting the general population.
According to a memo obtained by DAILY QUERY, titled “RE: SALE OF SUBSIDISED RICE TO PUBLIC SERVANTS,” the federal government had planned to sell the rice to interested public servants in Abuja at a reduced rate of N40,000 per bag.
The memo outlined the process for purchasing the rice, including the requirement for staff to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website and submit it to the Director of Human Resources for endorsement. Distribution was to be coordinated by designated officials, with oversight from the chairman of the Joint Union Council of the Ministry to ensure transparency.
Each staff member was allowed to purchase one bag, with an option for two or more staff members to jointly pay for a bag to share among themselves.
However, in a subsequent memo dated August 2, 2024, the government announced the withdrawal of the sale. “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Affairs) of 1st August 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn,” the memo stated, adding that further details would be communicated in due course.
The memo, signed by Mrs. Jaiyesimi Abimbola Aderonke, Director of Human Resource Management, instructed department heads to inform their staff of the new development.
