‘Pure Madness!’ – Nigerians Fume As FG Flags Off Sales Of 30,000 Metric Tonnes Of Subsidised Rice

The Federal Government’s recent flag-off of the sales of 30,000 metric tonnes of subsidised rice has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with many citizens labelling the move as insufficient, especially in light of the current fuel price hike.

The rice is being sold at N40,000 per 50-kg bag in a bid to alleviate the soaring cost of living, but Nigerians are questioning the effectiveness of this intervention.

On Thursday, Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, presided over the flag-off ceremony at the ministry’s headquarters, touting it as part of the government’s effort to cushion the economic hardship caused by global inflation and domestic challenges.

Kyari highlighted that the initiative, made possible by President Bola Tinubu’s directives, aims to ensure Nigerians do not go to bed hungry.

However, many Nigerians took to social media, particularly on X, to express their discontent, pointing out that the distribution of rice does little to address the more pressing issues, such as skyrocketing fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and overall economic hardship.

The backlash grew, with @ishakaa labeling the move as “pure madness,” expressing disbelief that the government would hold a ceremony to distribute rice while the nation suffers under rising fuel and living costs. “Nigeria is in a big shhhhhtttt… This minister actually cutting tape for distribution of rice? God, you can’t leave Nigeria like this in the hands of these people,” he posted.

One Twitter user, @noblecrp24, lamented, “I am a solidified Batified member, but honestly, this is not the way to go. Just 5% will benefit from this. What we need is a reduced price of fuel and electricity tariff.”

Others criticized the government’s prioritization of rice distribution over more systemic reforms. @ghost_x3y commented, “He removed the sub on petrol he gave them rice. He removed the sub on electricity he gave them rice. He removed the sub on education he gave them rice. He increased fuel prices, he gave them rice.”

Critics also questioned the long-term impact of the initiative, with @AbdulLa68820243 highlighting the need to focus on the poorest Nigerians. “What are your plans to help curb hunger in the grassroots where the real poor masses are? May Allah help you to understand the pains of the poor masses,” he wrote.