The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to sell 50kg bags of rice at 40,000 to public servants through registration via a google form on the OHCSF website. This was disclosed in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs and signed by the Director of Human Resources of the Ministry, Jaiyesimi Abimbola on Monday.
This is one of the interventions promised by the administration to alleviate the hunger and rising food prices in the country.
The letter mentioned the procedure for purchasing the rice and the completed google form is to be submitted to the director of human resources of the various ministries for endorsement.
It noted that payment for and the distribution of the rice would be coordinated by designated offices while the chairman, Joint Union Council of the ministry, would serve as an observer for transparency reasons during the exercise.
“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.ohcsf.gov.ng, print, and submit same to the Director, HR, for endorsement.
“Payment for 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.
The letter also announced that one staff member was entitled to one purchase alone.
“I am to add that each staff 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 minister of Information and Orientation, Muhammed Idris had earlier announced the plans by the Federal Government to create centres across the country where Nigerians could purchase 50kg bags of rice at N40,000. The initiative was a step to ease living conditions as well as stop the protest.
A 50kg bag of rice costs between 70,000 naira to 105,000 naira depending on if its local or foreign rice.
The initiative remains a temporary solution to the widespread hunger in the country. Are only public servants entitled to purchasing the subsidized rice?
