Fed Govt Begins Selling 50kg Rice at ₦40,000 Ahead of Planned Protest

The Federal Government announced on Monday that it has begun distributing an additional 10 trucks of 50kg rice to each state to be sold at designated centers for ₦40,000.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) emphasized that there is no need for the planned August 1 protest, asserting that most of the demands from the organizers are being addressed.

President Bola Tinubu stated that he is addressing the youth’s grievances ahead of the protest.

After the Council meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, informed correspondents that the distribution of rice is part of measures to combat poverty and the high cost of living. He said, “The FEC’s position is that most of the protesters’ demands are being addressed by the federal government, making the protest unnecessary.”

The Minister highlighted that the rice distribution is just one of many efforts to support citizens. “Ten trucks have been allocated to each state as a start. While this may not be enough, it is a first step, and more interventions will follow,” he added.

He also pointed to other government initiatives, such as student loans and employment programs, that are already in place to meet some of the protesters’ demands.

Idris reassured that the government’s actions, such as investment in agriculture and the CNG initiative for transportation, aim to reduce living costs significantly.

The Minister urged those planning the protest to reconsider, warning that protests could be hijacked and become violent, which would be detrimental to the country. He concluded by appealing for patience as the government works to meet the needs of Nigerians across various sectors.