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The Federal Government has established centres across the country where Nigerians can purchase a 50kg bag of rice for N40,000.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, 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.
Idris said this was one of several initiatives by the Tinubu administration to ease living conditions for citizens.
Therefore, he argued that the government had taken several initiatives to ease the living conditions of citizens, and the nationwide protests scheduled for August 1 are deemed unnecessary as the government is already addressing the protesters' demands.
The minister contended that the government was already addressing most of the protesters' demands, and therefore, there was no need for the protests to continue.
"The 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," said Idris.
He enumerated the recent efforts by the FG which distributed 740 trucks of grains to states, announcing that 50kg bags of rice could now be obtained for N40,000 at designated centres nationwide.
Idris said, "For 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.
"But the government did not stop. Rice is also being sold at about 50 per cent of its cost; a bag of rice is being sold as we speak at N40,000. Rice has been taken to various centres across all the states of the federation and is being sold at N40,000. Centres have been created so that those who need this rice can go there and buy this rice at N40,000.
"In 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. The 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."
He said the government expects the price of food items to reduce since "the rainy season is here."
"We 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," Idris added.
The minister cited the student loan scheme and the expected disbursement of CNG kits as part of efforts to ease the cost of living.
However, he blamed unavoidable logistical impediments for the delay in the rollout of the CNG buses.
The minister explained that the delays were largely due to the procurement processes and the need to place orders for the required items.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior argued that the 13-month-old administration had made significant gains for its age and emphasised that removing the fuel subsidy is a crucial step in addressing long-term issues in Nigeria's energy sector.
Tunji-Ojo highlighted the new policies that promote local trade in crude oil and refined products, which he believed would attract investments, create jobs, and enhance Nigeria's energy independence.
He also emphasised the unification of exchange rates as a factor in improving economic predictability, fostering foreign direct investment, and supporting local government autonomy, stating that it will ultimately drives grassroots development.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned against anarchy, saying the government cannot afford to rebuild damaged infrastructure.
He acknowledged the right to protest but cautioned against turning it into the right to unleash violence, stating that the individuals behind the unrest are faceless and may be preparing to loot and cause chaos.
Akpabio appealed to the Nigerian youth not to allow any group to mislead them politically, as he believed that some individuals who might not have their fortunes in the 2023 election were trying to create anarchy.
He emphasised that any destruction of property would cost Nigeria money, which the country cannot afford, and instead, the focus should be on developing the youth and their environment.
