The federal government’s claim of selling 50kg bags of rice for N40,000 at designated centers across the country to address the rising cost of food is false, according to an investigation by NN News Media.
In both southern and northern parts of Nigeria, Marketers expressed shock at the spread of this misinformation. As of today, July 30, 2024, the actual prices remain unchanged: a half bag of rice costs N40,000, while a full bag costs N80,000.
Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, had announced the N40,000 price after a Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday. He stated that the government had distributed 10 trucks of rice to each state, with plans to increase supply. Idris argued that with this intervention and other efforts to make food available, there was no longer a need for the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 to 10, 2024.
However, the investigation by NN News Media found no evidence of these special government centers selling rice at the discounted price. Marketers urged media houses to refrain from spreading false information that could mislead the poor masses, who are determined to join the hunger protest until their demands are met.
The rising cost of living, particularly the soaring prices of basic food items like rice, bread, sugar, garri, beef, and eggs, has significantly impacted the standard of living for most Nigerians. Many households now struggle to afford three square meals a day.
In Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina states, the price of Mama Gold rice has risen to about N75,500 per bag, while a 50kg Stallion Optimum brand now sells for N77,000 to N80,000. A loaf of bread costs between N1,000 and N2,500, depending on the brand and quality. The prices of garri, eggs, and meat have also skyrocketed.
Farmers in parts of the country have attributed the high costs of foodstuffs to the removal of fuel subsidy, which has increased transportation costs and the prices of farm inputs like fertilizers and herbicides.
The government’s claim of selling 50kg rice for N40,000 appears to be misleading and has been refuted by marketers across the country. The ongoing economic hardship faced by Nigerians remains a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and effective solutions from the government.
