The Federal Government of Nigeria has halted the proposed sale of subsidized rice to civil servants, withdrawing an earlier directive that invited interested employees to apply for the scheme.
This development was communicated in a new circular issued by the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, obtained on Thursday in Abuja.
The fresh circular, dated August 2, 2024, and signed by the Ministry’s Director of Human Resources, Aderonke Jaiyesimi, did not provide any explanation for the withdrawal of the initial memo.
It also remained unclear whether the subsidized rice initiative had been permanently cancelled or temporarily suspended.
The circular 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Affairs) of August 1, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the internal circular is hereby withdrawn.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 units for their information and proper guidance.”
Previously, the Ministry had instructed interested civil servants to complete a Google form available on the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) website and submit it to the Director of Human Resources for endorsement.
The payment and distribution process was to be overseen by designated offices, with the Chairman of the Joint Union Council of the Ministry acting as an observer to ensure transparency.
This initiative followed the Federal Government’s recent announcement of establishing centres nationwide where Nigerians could purchase 50kg of rice for N40, 000.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, had highlighted this initiative as part of the Tinubu administration’s broader efforts to alleviate living conditions for citizens.
Nigerian Tribune
