Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs has officially withdrawn its internal circular dated August 1, 2024, regarding the sale of subsidized rice to public servants.
In a new directive, Aderonke A. Jaiyesimi, the Director of Human Resource Management, stated, “I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry of 1st August, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the Internal Circular is hereby withdrawn.”
The circular, which was addressed to all directors, heads of departments, and unit heads, further instructed that “the contents of this internal circular [should be brought] to the attention of staff in your respective Departments and Units for their information and proper guidance.”
The directive was issued on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, with copies sent to the minister and the Permanent Secretary for further action.
The ministry assured that more information would be provided soon to clarify the situation.
Earlier reports indicated that the Nigerian government had directed its workers to fill out a form and purchase a 50kg bag of rice at N40,000, describing it as a step to alleviate the food crisis in the nation and its effects on Nigerians.
The directive was disclosed in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, signed by the Director of Human Resources of the Ministry, Jaiyesimi Abimbola.
The letter stated that all interested staff members were to complete a form on the OHCSF website and submit it to the director of human resources for endorsement.
It noted that payment for and distribution of the rice would be coordinated by designated offices, while the Chairman of the Joint Union Council of the ministry would serve as an observer to ensure transparency in the exercise.
The letter added, “As part of the Federal Government’s efforts to alleviate the current food crisis in the country and its effects on the general population, I am directed to inform you that 50kg bags of rice will be sold at a subsidized rate of N40,000 only per bag to interested public servants in Abuja.”
“For effective implementation, all interested staff are required to complete a Google form on the OHCSF website, https://www.ohcsf.gov.ng, print, and submit the same to the Director, HR, for endorsement.”
“Payment for and distribution of the rice will be coordinated by designated officials, while the chairman, Joint Union Council of the Ministry, is required to serve as an observer during the period of the exercise for the purpose of transparency.”
“I am to add that each staff member is only entitled to purchase one bag. Two or more staff may also jointly pay for a bag for sharing among themselves.”
“Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of staff in your respective Departments/Units for information and guidance.”
The Nigerian Government recently announced that it had created centers across the country where Nigerians could purchase 50kg bags of rice for N40,000 each.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, stated that the initiative was one of several by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ease living conditions for citizens.
