Abuja, September 18, 2024– Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are facing difficulties in accessing the Federal Government’s subsidised 50kg bags of rice, priced at ₦40,000. Large crowds have gathered at the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) headquarters in the Central Area of Abuja, where payments are being processed.
Despite arriving as early as 6 a.m., many residents have reported that the process has been slow and unorganized. Those waiting in line expressed frustration, saying they had been coming since Monday without success. One civil servant, Mr. Emmanuel Oshodi, stated that despite returning on Tuesday, he was told that only journalists were being attended to. He noted that even the journalists claimed they were not being served because officials said they had completed processing for journalists on Monday, a public holiday when many people were unaware the office was open.
Mrs. Deborah Alexis also shared her frustration, explaining that on Tuesday, after hours of waiting, officials informed her that the payment system was down, leaving many hopeful buyers stranded. Similarly, Mr. Ebenezer Ayiri suggested that the government streamline the process, possibly by using online platforms for payment to avoid unnecessary delays.
Some residents, like Mr. Uche Joseph, have decided to leave the payment center after wasting multiple days trying to purchase the rice. “I don’t understand why we should be put through this stressful process for a product we’re still paying for,” he lamented.
The subsidised rice, part of a government intervention aimed at easing economic hardships and enhancing food security, is available at several centres across the FCT. However, complaints of poor organization and delays have overshadowed the initiative. Despite these challenges, no NAIC officials were available for comment, and efforts to improve the situation remain unclear.
The Federal Government’s distribution of rice is part of its broader effort to mitigate the rising cost of living and food shortages affecting many Nigerians. However, residents continue to hope for a smoother process in the coming days.
