The Federal Government has created centres across the country where Nigerians can purchase a 50kg bag of rice at the rate of N40,000.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who revealed this on Monday while briefing correspondents on the outcome of the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, said the move was one of the several initiatives by the Tinubu administration to ease living conditions for citizens.
He argued that the nationwide protests scheduled to begin on August 1 were unnecessary since President Tinubu is already protesting on behalf of the people, adding that all the demands of the protest organisers were being met.
Enumerating the recent efforts by the federal government which included distributed 740 trucks of grains to states, sales of 50kg bags of rice for N40,000 at designated centres nationwide, and the student loan scheme expected disbursement and the CNG kits as part of efforts to ease the cost of living.
He said already, some of the CNG buses have been imported, conversion kits are available and the conversion centers are already beginning to get active.
The minister added that the prices of food items will come down as investments are also being made in traditional agricultural production and irrigation activities in many states of the federation.
Meanwhile, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo argued that the 13-month-old administration has made significant gains for its age.
He emphasised that removing the fuel subsidy is a crucial step in addressing long-term issues in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Tunji-Ojo noted the new policies promoting local trade in crude oil and refined products, which he believes will attract investments, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria’s energy independence.
He also highlighted the unification of exchange rates as a factor in improving economic predictability, fostering foreign direct investment, and supporting local government autonomy, saying it ultimately drives grassroots development.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio who addressed journalists after the signing of the minimum wage bill also warned against anarchy saying the government cannot afford rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
He warned that although the citizens have the right to protest, they do not have a right to destabilise the country, noting that the current situation of the country is the outcome of years of insecurity.