Ogun State Launches Sale of Federal Government-Subsidized Rice to Combat Food Inflation and Enhance Accessibility
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On Thursday, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun announced the launch of the sale of Federal Government-subsidized rice in the state. He revealed that his administration plans to extend the sale of other subsidized food items across all 20 local government areas.
Governor Abiodun emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance accessibility to affordable food, with items such as garri, rice, and beans being offered at significantly reduced prices. The announcement was made during a ceremony at the Arcade Ground of the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced plans to implement a local version of the food subsidy scheme across all 20 local government areas in Ogun State. He emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance accessibility at the grassroots level.
“We will be selling food items like garri, rice, and beans at heavily subsidized prices,” the governor stated.
Abiodun underscored the belief shared by both federal and state governments that sustainable development relies on strategic planning rooted in inclusiveness, transparency, fairness, and accountability. He also praised the state’s Head of Service and his team for their commendable efforts in this initiative.
Governor Dapo Abiodun announced that the distribution of subsidized food items will target various groups, including civil servants at both federal and state levels, the organized private sector, artisans, trade unions, non-governmental organizations, student bodies, market women, community development associations, and traditional and religious organizations.
He assured residents that the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) have developed a comprehensive plan to ensure equitable distribution across all 20 local government areas in the state.
Additionally, the governor stated that the sale of subsidized rice will commence in Abeokuta for the Ogun Central Senatorial District, with launches also planned for Ilaro in Ogun West and Ijebu-Ode in Ogun East.
Governor Dapo Abiodun urged beneficiaries of the subsidized food program to uphold law and order at the sales points and adhere to the timetable established by the overseeing committee.
He emphasized that all payments would be processed through Point of Sales (PoS) machines, eliminating cash transactions. Beneficiaries will also undergo physical verification at the point of sale to ensure accountability.
“To prevent any sharp practices, there will be no double registration, and the National Identification Number (NIN) will be verified,” he stated.
The governor assured that the distribution would be conducted transparently and fairly, ensuring that the targeted recipients receive the intended palliatives.
Governor Dapo Abiodun praised President Bola Tinubu for his initiative to address food inflation, highlighting the president’s commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian people. He noted that without the liberalization of petroleum product sales, the country could have faced over N11 trillion in costs within a year.
Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the Head of Service, remarked that the initiative is driven by the Federal Government to improve citizens’ livelihoods.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, represented by Mrs. Ayo Ajayi, commended Ogun State for having the best template for the sale of subsidized rice, indicating that the Federal Government plans to adopt this model in other states. He explained that the initiative aims to alleviate the burden on citizens by reducing food prices, with procedures including verification of the National Identity Number (NIN) and a payment of N40,000 for a 50-kilogram bag of subsidized rice through an Automated Teller Machine (ATM).
In addition, Waheed Oloyede, the state chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for consistently releasing funds for the payment of pensioners’ gratuities. He also acknowledged the governor as the first in the country to embrace the Federal Government’s initiative by launching the program.
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