In a surprising turn of events, the Federal Government has decided to put on hold its initiative to sell subsidized 50kg bags of rice to civil servants at the price of N40,000.
This development was communicated through a circular titled ‘Withdrawal of Internal Circular on Sale of Subsidized Rice to Public Servants,’ which was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs (Human Resources Management Department).
The circular was directed to various Directors and Heads of Departments within the ministry. It stated, “I have been instructed to refer to our internal circular from the Ministry dated August 1, 2024, regarding this matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn.
Further details will be provided in due course. Kindly ensure that the contents of this internal circular are communicated to staff within your respective Departments and Units for their awareness and appropriate guidance.”
Previously, a memo from the Ministry, dated August 1 and signed by Mrs. Jaiyesim Abimbola Aderonke, the Director of Human Resource Management, had detailed the process for civil servants to acquire the subsidized rice. However, the recent withdrawal of this plan has left many civil servants in a state of uncertainty, as no explanation was offered for the abrupt change.
As a reminder, the initial proposal was announced by Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed, who stated that it aimed to alleviate the repercussions of the ongoing food crisis by providing 50kg bags of rice at a subsidized rate specifically for civil servants in Abuja.
