The Federal Government has withdrawn its planned sale of subsidised 50 kilogramme bags of rice for N40,000 to public servants.
“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Affairs) of 1st August, 2024 on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn. 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”, read a circular titled: “Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants,” signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (Human Resources Management Department), on Thursday.
The circular making this disclosure was addressed to Directors and Heads of Departments.
In the heat of the #EndBad Governance, that commence August 1, the Federal Government has announced its plan to sell subsidised 50-kilogram bags of rice to civil servants for N40,000.
No reason was provided for the abrupt halt in the plan, leaving many civil servants who had registered for the subsidised rice in a state of uncertainty.
Africa Health Report AHR had previously reported the initial plan to sell the rice to government workers. The Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, had announced that the federal government intended to mitigate the effects of the current food crisis by offering 50kg bags of rice at a subsidised rate to civil servants in Abuja.
The sale of the subsidised rice was announced on August 1 2024 through the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs Human Resources Management Department.
The announcement was aimed at cushioning the effect of the national hunger protests which started on August 1 2024.
In the referenced statement the Director, Human Resource Management, Mrs. Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke (Mrs.) who signed the memo said, “As part of 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 subsidised rate of forty Thousands Naira (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 same 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 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”. (Additional Reports by Agency)
