No NIN, No Rice: FG Declares Only Nigerians with National ID Can Purchase ₦40,000 Rice

The Federal Government has announced that only individuals with a valid National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to purchase rice as it begins the sale of 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice. President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, at the flag-off ceremony, explained that this measure aims to prevent racketeering and lower food prices across Nigeria.

Kyari emphasized that the rice will be sold on a “one person, one bag” basis, with each 50kg bag priced at ₦40,000 as part of the government’s effort to provide subsidized rice in response to the ongoing food crisis.

“This intervention is timely given the challenges we face as citizens of this great nation,” Kyari remarked. He praised the government for its other initiatives, such as releasing 42,000 metric tonnes of assorted food commodities to vulnerable populations, alongside the 30,000 metric tonnes of milled rice now being offered to Nigerians.

Kyari attributed the rise in food prices to global factors such as COVID-19, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and climate change, stressing that these issues are not unique to Nigeria. He reassured Nigerians that the government has implemented strict measures to ensure transparency and fairness in the rice distribution process. These measures include verification through NIN and phone numbers to prevent fraud and ensure equal access.

The minister urged citizens to cooperate with officials to make the initiative successful, emphasizing that the injection of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice into the market will not only lower the price of rice but also reduce the cost of other staple foods. He called on Nigerians to remain patient as the administration’s efforts to improve food security will soon yield positive results.

Haruna Sule Abutu, the Director of Food and Strategic Reserve in the Ministry, detailed the purchase procedure. Buyers must provide a NIN, phone number, or be registered under the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS). Once the NIN is verified, a code and Treasury receipt will be issued, allowing the buyer to collect the rice at a designated location, with the receipt indicating the time and place to avoid crowding.