The federal government has announced the sale of a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000 as part of its latest intervention to provide relief to Nigerians facing economic hardships.

In a statement made at the presidential villa on Monday, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, detailed the government’s efforts to address the ongoing concerns of citizens and to mitigate the impact of rising food prices.

Idris disclosed that 20 trucks of rice have been allocated to each state across the federation, with the aim of making the staple food more affordable.

The government has set up designated centers where these bags of rice are being sold at a reduced price of N40,000 each, which represents a 50 percent reduction from the current market rate. However, the minister did not specify the exact locations of these distribution centers.

“The president has heeded the concerns expressed by those planning a protest and wants to assure them that there is no need for such demonstrations,” Idris remarked.

He emphasized that the government is already taking proactive steps to address the issues raised, including making essential food items more accessible.

Idris highlighted that in addition to the distribution of rice, the government is also committed to providing support to the most vulnerable populations.

“We have recently announced that 20 trucks of rice have been dispatched to each state, aimed specifically at reaching those in dire need—particularly the poorest members of society.

This is just the beginning, as further interventions are planned to ensure more comprehensive support.”

The minister acknowledged that the current supply of rice may not be sufficient to meet all demands but stressed that these measures are intended to be temporary solutions.

He assured that additional steps are being taken to stabilize food prices in the long term, citing significant investments being made in the agricultural sector.

“The government’s efforts are not limited to immediate relief. We are also heavily investing in agriculture, including irrigation projects, which are expected to help reduce food prices as the rainy season progresses.”

Furthermore, Idris urged the youth to reconsider their planned nationwide protest, stating that the government is actively working to address various national challenges.

He mentioned the government’s efforts to create employment opportunities for young people through the MTT programme, which aims to provide jobs for around 3 million individuals.

“The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right, and the government acknowledges this.

However, we are concerned that such protests could be hijacked by individuals with malicious intentions, potentially leading to violence.

This could have detrimental effects on the country, which is why we are appealing for the protests to be postponed,” he added.

Idris reassured citizens that the government is committed to addressing their needs across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and education.

He emphasized that while it may take time for all these initiatives to fully take effect, the ongoing efforts are intended to ensure that no one is left behind.

In summary, the federal government is taking multiple steps to alleviate economic pressures on citizens, including subsidizing rice prices and investing in agricultural improvements.

Idris’s message underscores the government’s commitment to addressing public concerns while urging a reconsideration of planned protests.