On Monday, the Federal Government announced that Nigerians can now buy a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, shared this news after a meeting led by President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
This move is part of several efforts by the Tinubu administration to make life easier for Nigerians.
Idris mentioned that because of these efforts, planned protests set for August 1 are not necessary, stating that President Tinubu is already working on behalf of the people.
Idris also said that most demands from the protest organizers are already being met by the government.
He highlighted that the government has given out 740 trucks of grains to states and that rice is now available at lower prices at designated centres nationwide.
“For example, at the last Council meeting, we announced that 20 trucks had been given to each state governor for onward distribution to those who actually needed them, to the poorest of the poor in society.
“But the government did not stop. Rice is also being sold at about 50 per cent of its cost; a bag of rice is being sold as we speak. This rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000. In the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states,” Idris explained.
He added that more actions are being taken to help reduce food prices, especially with the rainy season helping agricultural production.
Idris also mentioned efforts like the student loan scheme and the expected disbursement of CNG kits to help lower living costs.
However, he noted that some delays in rolling out CNG buses are due to unavoidable logistical issues, but steps are being taken to address them.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also spoke, highlighting the achievements of the 13-month-old administration and the importance of removing the fuel subsidy to solve long-term energy problems in Nigeria.
He emphasized new policies promoting local trade in crude oil and refined products, which he believes will attract investments and create jobs.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned against protests turning violent, stressing that such actions would only lead to further expenses for the country.
He urged Nigerian youth not to be misled by any group and to focus on development instead of destruction.
