*Mohammed Idris, Minister for Information and National Orientation, says the Federal Government is already addressing the needs of the proposed protest organisers, and it is the view of the Nigerian Government that 鈥榯here is really no need for the protest(s) again鈥�, affirming that a 50kg bag of rice can be purchased for N40,000 at designated centres nationwide

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

As part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration鈥檚 initiatives to ease off living conditions for Nigerians, the Federal Government announced the creation of designated centres across the country, where consumers can purchase a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000.

绿帽献妻 reports Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Honourable Minister for Information and National Orientation, revealed this development while briefing reporters on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Tinubu, Monday, July 29, 2024, in the State House, Abuja, FCT.

The Minister noted the low-priced rice initiative is part of the Tinubu administration鈥檚 several initiatives designed to mitigate the current economic challenges for the citizenry.

Idris also argued that there is no longer a need for the nationwide 鈥渉unger protest鈥� since President Tinubu is already attending to the needs of the protest organisers in the country.

He further stated: 鈥淭he position of the FEC is that most of the demands that the protesters are making are actually being addressed by the Federal Government and, therefore, it is the view of the government that there is really no need for the protests again.

鈥淢ost of the things that the protesters are putting forward are already being addressed by the government. And like we have said repeatedly, this is a listening government.

鈥淭he President has listened to the voices of all planning this protest. And the message is that there is no need for it. Indeed, the President is already protesting on their behalf by doing what they want the government to do.鈥�

He equally referenced the recent government鈥檚 efforts with the deployment of 740 trucks of grains to states of the Federation, and now the announcement of 50kg bags of rice could be purchased for N40,000 at designated centres nationwide.

Idris said, 鈥淔or example, at the last Council meeting, we announced that 20 trucks had been given to each state governor for onward distribution to those who actually needed them, to the poorest of the poor in society.

鈥淏ut the government did not stop. Rice is also being sold at about 50 percent of its cost; a bag of rice is being sold as we speak.鈥�

The Minister also said: 鈥淭his rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the Federation, and is being sold at N40,000.

鈥淐entres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.鈥�

He as well explained: 鈥淚n the first instance, about 10 trucks have been made available to each of these states; indeed, this is just the beginning. I know that some of the comments you hear is that it is never enough.

鈥淭he government has not pretended that these supplies are, indeed, enough. But these are necessary first steps that are being made, and more of such interventions are being made in the interim.鈥�

The Minister said the Federal Government expects prices of food items to reduce since 鈥渢he rainy season is here.鈥�

He noted: 鈥淲e expect that the prices of food items will come down as investments are also being made in traditional agricultural production and irrigation activities in many of these states in the federation.鈥�

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